Antiviral vinyl-chloride resin composition, antiviral sheet of vinyl-chloride resin, process for producing the same, interior decorative sheet, process for producing interior decorative sheet, interior decorative sheet of poly(vinyl chloride) resin, antiviral wallpaper, and process for producing antiviral wallpaper

ABSTRACT

There is provided an antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition including: 100 parts by weight of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin obtained by mixing 10-90 parts by weight of a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste with 90-10 parts by weight of a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin; and 0.5-10.0 parts by weight of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention in a first aspect thereof relates to an antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin composition, an antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet obtained by forming the composition,and a process for producing an antiviral shaped object of avinyl-chloride-based resin.

The invention in second and third aspects thereof relates to an interiordecorative sheet and a process for producing the interior decorativesheet.

The invention in the third aspect relates to an interior decorativesheet of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin.

The invention in a fourth aspect thereof relates to an interiordecorative sheet excellent in terms of antiviral property andantifouling property.

The invention in a fifth aspect thereof relates to an antiviralwallpaper which inactivates various viruses, and to a process forproducing the antiviral wallpaper.

BACKGROUND ART

Viral diseases caused by serious acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)virus, avian influenza viruses, foot-and-mouth disease virus, new kindsof influenza viruses, etc. arouse social problems one after another.Originally, viruses have limited host ranges, and it is usual for someviruses to infect mammals only and for other viruses to infect birdsonly. However, avian influenza viruses have a wide range of hosts andcan infect not only birds but also mammals, and there is hence apossibility that some avian influenza viruses might infect human beingsalso. At present, avian influenza virus type H5N1 infests Asia andEurope, and there is a fear that a virulent influenza virus may appearas a result of a variation of that type of virus as a base to cause apandemic.

There is hence a desire for development of a material which showsantiviral properties or a material capable of imparting antiviralproperties, as a measure against such a pandemic. In addition, antiviralproducts for not only medical facilities such as hospitals, healthcenters, and protective institutions but also general public facilitiesand even families have come to be desired in preparation for a viralpandemic.

Patent document 1 discloses a sheet obtained by mixing a composition forimparting antiviral properties which includes either regeneratedcollagen fibers or a regenerated collagen powder with a polyurethaneresin and coating a flexible PVC sheet with the mixture.

According to the definite cases concerning countries and human beings ofthe occurrence of avian influenza (H5N1) reported by the Ministry ofHealth, Labor and Welfare of Japan, highly pathogenic avian influenzahas occurred in a wide range of regions including Asia, Europe, theMiddle East, and Africa since November, 2003. Infections of avianinfluenza which have been ascertained include not only ones from fowlsto fowls but also ones from fowls to primates. With respect to humanbeings, in particular, six hundred and odd persons were infected so farand at least 350 of these died. Furthermore, there is a possibility thatavian influenza viruses might undergo a variation through crossing witha human influenza virus or even by themselves to become virulent.

Consequently, techniques and products which are capable of rapidlyinactivating viruses are eagerly desired. Of such products, interiordecorative building materials for use in, for example, medicalfacilities, which are expected to undergo contacts with viruses, areespecially desired to inactivate viruses. In particular, wallpapers,which occupy a large part of construction areas, are highly desired tohave antiviral properties.

For wallpapers, vinyl-chloride-based resins such as vinyl chlorideresins and olefin-based resins are frequently used. In particular,vinyl-chloride-based resins are used for most wallpapers becausevinyl-chloride-based resins are inexpensive and have various excellentproperties and because the wallpapers thereof can be made to have anattractive appearance by embossing the wallpapers to form fine recessesand protrusions in the surfaces thereof.

Meanwhile, patent document 2 proposes a method in which a vinyl/maleicanhydride copolymer to which metal ions have been fixed is used as amaterial for imparting antiviral properties to fibers. However, there isno statement therein concerning any technique for applying the inventionto a wallpaper constituted of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin or toan interior decorative sheet.

An antiviral agent is an agent which deprives viruses of the infectivityand thereby prevents the viruses from invading cells. Known as such anantiviral agent is, for example, slaked lime. In patent document 3, aresinous coating film containing slaked lime is disclosed.

CITATION LIST Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: JP-A-2009-127163

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 4584339

Patent Document 3: JP-A-2011-152102

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems that the Invention is to Solve

The present inventors discovered that a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincomposition including a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin and asulfonic-acid-based surfactant exhibits high antiviral performance.However, there have been cases where poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincompositions containing a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant are prone tosuffer initial discoloration upon heating when formed, resulting indiscolored shaped objects.

Under these circumstances, an object of the invention, in a first aspectthereof, is to provide an antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resincomposition which has excellent antiviral properties and has improvedinsusceptibility to discoloration due to forming, in particular, toinitial discoloration, and an antiviral sheet.

In the case where a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin compositioncontaining a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is formed by melt shaping,coloring is prone to occur due to the heating. There have hence beencases where the resultant interior decorative sheets have yellowed.There have also been cases where the composition sticks to the rollswhen processed by roll processing or the like.

Under such circumstances, the present invention in a second aspectthereof provides an antiviral interior decorative sheet which hasexcellent antiviral properties and improved unsusceptibility to coloringdue to forming and which has improved processability.

The present inventors discovered that an interior decorative poly(vinylchloride)-based resin sheet formed from a poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition containing a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant can rapidlyreduce the virus titer in contact therewith and inactivate the viruses.However, the inventors have discovered that the addition of asulfonic-acid-based surfactant during the production of a poly(vinylchloride)-based sol arouses a problem in that the surfactant has poordispersibility in the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin and the interiordecorative sheet of this poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin undesirablyhas a rugged surface, resulting in an appearance failure.

Under such circumstances, an object of the invention, in a third aspectthereof, is to provide an interior decorative sheet having an excellentappearance and formed from an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition having excellent antiviral properties.

Meanwhile, general interior decorative sheets are used in such a mannerthat after application of the sheets, an antifouling treatment as ameasure against fouling is performed by, for example, applying a waxthereto. Because of this, there have been cases where even an interiordecorative sheet which itself has sufficient antiviral propertiesundesirably comes to have insufficient antiviral properties due to thewaxing. Consequently, from the standpoint of making an interiordecorative sheet exhibit the antiviral properties, waxing should beavoided, resulting in the possibility of insufficient antifoulingproperties.

Under such circumstances, an object of the invention, in a fourth aspectthereof, is to provide an interior decorative sheet which is excellentin terms of antiviral property and antifouling property.

The present inventors discovered that a wallpaper based on poly(vinylchloride) containing a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant can rapidly reducethe virus titer in contact therewith and inactivate the viruses.However, the inventors have discovered that the addition of asulfonic-acid-based surfactant during wallpaper production arouses a newproblem in that the surfactant has poor dispersibility in the poly(vinylchloride) resin to cause appearance failures, e.g., rumples, in thewallpaper surface.

An object of the invention, in a fifth aspect thereof, is to provide anantiviral wallpaper which has an excellent appearance and which rapidlyreduces the virus titer in contact therewith and inactivates theviruses.

Means for Solving the Problems [First Aspect]

A means which the first aspect of the invention employs for overcomingthe problems described above is to provide an antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin composition which is a mixture of avinyl-chloride-based resin for paste, a suspension vinyl-chloride-basedresin, and a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant.

More specifically, the means is to provide an antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin composition characterized by including: 100parts by weight of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin obtained by mixing10-90 parts by weight of a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste with90-10 parts by weight of a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin; and0.5-10.0 parts by weight of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant.

The antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition may be one in whichthe poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin is a resin obtained by mixing thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste to which the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been added with the suspension vinyl-chloride-basedresin.

It is preferable that the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resincomposition should be one in which the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantwas added during the production of the vinyl-chloride-based resin forpaste.

These antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin compositions each can beformed into an antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet.

Furthermore, use can be made of a process for producing an antiviralshaped object of a vinyl-chloride-based resin, the process including

a step in which 10-90 parts by weight of a vinyl-chloride-based resinfor paste is mixed with 90-10 parts by weight of a suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin and

a step in which the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin including thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin is melt-shaped, wherein

the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste contains a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant, and

the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been added in an amount of0.5-10.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin.

Use can also be made of a process for producing an antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet, the process including a step in which10-90 parts by weight of a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste is mixedwith 90-10 parts by weight of a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resinand a step in which the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin including thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin is formed into a sheet, wherein thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste contains a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant, and

the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been added in an amount of0.5-10.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin.

[Second Aspect]

A means which the second aspect of the invention employs for overcomingthe problems described above is to provide an interior decorative sheetincluding an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin compositionwhich is a mixture of: a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin that is amixture of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste and a suspensionpoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin; a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant; anda plasticizer.

More specifically, the means is to provide an interior decorative sheetincluding a surface layer constituted of an antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based resin composition which includes: 100 parts by weight ofa poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin including 10-90 parts by weight of apoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste and 90-10 parts by weight ofa suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin; 0.5-10.0 parts by weightof a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant; and 10-100 parts by weight of aplasticizer.

The interior decorative sheet can be one in which the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin is a mixture of the suspension poly(vinylchloride)-based resin with the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin forpaste to which the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been added.

Furthermore, the interior decorative sheet may be one in which thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant was added during the production of thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste.

Provided as a production process is a process for producing an interiordecorative sheet including an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincomposition including 100 parts by weight of a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin including 10-90 parts by weight of a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste and 90-10 parts by weight of asuspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin, 0.5-10.0 parts by weight ofa sulfonic-acid-based surfactant, and 10-100 parts by weight of aplasticizer, the process including a step in which the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste that contains the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant is mixed with the suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinto obtain the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin, a step in which thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin is mixed with the plasticizer to obtainthe antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition, and a stepin which the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition ismelt-shaped.

[Third Aspect]

A means which the third aspect of the invention employs for overcomingthe problems described above essentially is to apply a poly(vinylchloride)-based sol composition including a poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin for paste which contains a given amount of a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant and further including a plasticizer.

Specifically, the means is one wherein an antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based sol composition which includes 100 parts by weight of apoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste, 0.1-7.5 parts by weight of asulfonic-acid-based surfactant, and a plasticizer and in which thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant was added during the production of thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste is applied to a surface of abase to produce an interior decorative sheet made of a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin.

[Fourth Aspect]

A means which the fourth aspect of the invention employs for overcomingthe problems described above is to provide an interior decorative sheetincluding a surface layer, characterized in that the surface layer isconstituted of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition including100 parts by weight of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin, 0.1-10.0parts by weight of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant, 10-50 parts byweight of a plasticizer, and 1-20 parts by weight of a silicone-basedcopolymer.0

The poly(vinyl chloride)-based interior decorative sheet may be one inwhich the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin in the surface layer includes100-1 part by weight of a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and 0-99parts by weight of a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin, or may beone in which the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste contains thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant or in which the resin compositionconstituting the surface layer contains a filler in an amount of 1-50parts by weight.

[Fifth Aspect]

The present inventors diligently made investigations on methods ofadding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant in order to overcome theproblems. As a result, the inventors have discovered that an antiviralwallpaper having an intact appearance is satisfactorily obtained incases when a vinyl chloride resin for paste to which asulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been added beforehand is used toproduce the wallpaper.

Specifically, provided is an antiviral wallpaper including a base layerand a resin layer including a resinous ingredient that includes a vinylchloride resin for paste into which a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant hasbeen incorporated beforehand in an amount of 1.2% by weight or larger.

Effects of the Invention

According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtainan antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition and an antiviralsheet which have excellent antiviral properties and improvedunsusceptibility to discoloration during forming, in particular, toinitial discoloration.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible toobtain an antiviral interior decorative sheet having excellent antiviralproperties, improved unsusceptibility to coloring during forming, andimproved processability, and to obtain a process for producing theinterior decorative sheet.

According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtainan interior decorative sheet which is made of a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin and is excellent in terms of antiviral propertyand appearance.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible toobtain an interior decorative sheet which is excellent in terms ofantiviral property and antifouling property. This interior decorativesheet of the invention is less apt to suffer the adhesion of foulingsubstances thereto, and the fouling substance, if having adheredthereto, can be removed by simple cleaning. Because of this, theinterior decorative sheet can be used without necessitating anantifouling treatment such as waxing, and can hence sufficiently exhibitthe antiviral properties. In cases when a vinyl-chloride-based resin forpaste which contains a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is used forforming the surface layer, the interior decorative sheet can be made tobe inhibited from suffering resin coloring and to have an excellentappearance and even better antiviral properties. Furthermore, byincorporating a filler into the surface layer in an amount of 1-50 partsby weight, the processability is further improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtainan antiviral wallpaper and a process for producing the antiviralwallpaper.

The antiviral wallpaper according to the fifth aspect of the inventionreduces the virus titer and inactivates viruses in a short time periodafter the wallpaper comes into contact with the viruses, and has anexcellent appearance.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention is described below in detail.

In the invention, the term “vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste” meansfine polymer particles having a particle diameter of 0.02-20.0 μm andobtained mainly by an emulsion polymerization method or amicrosuspension polymerization method. This resin is generallycharacterized by becoming pasty upon addition of a plasticizer thereto.

For producing a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste, any productionprocess can be used so long as a vinyl-chloride-based resin for pastecan be obtained thereby. Examples of most common processes include: anemulsion polymerization method in which a vinyl-chloride-based monomeris polymerized together with deionized water, an emulsifying agent, anda water-soluble polymerization initiator with gentle stirring; a seedemulsion polymerization method in which the particles obtained by theemulsion polymerization method are used as seeds to conduct emulsionpolymerization; a microsuspension polymerization method in which avinyl-chloride-based monomer is mixed with deionized water, anemulsifying agent optionally together with an emulsifying aid such as ahigher alcohol, and an oil-soluble polymerization initiator by means ofa homogenizer or the like to disperse the ingredients and the monomer isthen polymerized with gentle stirring; and a seed microsuspensionpolymerization method in which the seeds containing the oil-solublepolymerization initiator and obtained by the microsuspensionpolymerization method are used to conduct polymerization. In each ofthese methods, polymerization is conducted at a temperature of 30-80° C.and the latex obtained is spray-dried and then pulverized. As such, theproduction of a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste includes apolymerization step, in which polymerization is conducted, andsubsequent post-polymerization steps.

The term “suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin” means avinyl-chloride-based resin which is polymer particles having a particlediameter of about 50-200 μm and obtained mainly by a suspensionpolymerization method and which has a porous indefinite shape. Due tothe porous shape, this vinyl-chloride-based resin can absorb liquidssuch as plasticizers and can hence be prevented from becoming pasty.

[First Aspect]

An embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is an antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin composition characterized by including: 100parts by weight of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin obtained by mixing10-90 parts by weight of a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste with90-10 parts by weight of a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin; and0.5-10.0 parts by weight of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant.

This antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition exhibits antiviralproperties since a given amount of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant hasbeen added to the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin. From the standpointof enabling the composition to exhibit higher antiviral properties andto be inhibited from suffering initial discoloration during forming, itis preferable that the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant should have beenadded beforehand to the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste. Namely, itis preferred to add the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant during theproduction of the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste. In thisconnection, it is possible to add a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant as,for example, an emulsifying agent in a polymerization step. Suchaddition of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant may result in cases where avinyl-chloride-based resin for paste which has desired properties is notobtained due to the influence of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantadded.

Meanwhile, a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant can be added also in apost-polymerization step. It is noted that sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactants are water-soluble, and that in cases when a vinyl chlorideresin for paste is produced by emulsion polymerization or seed emulsionpolymerization, a latex including water as the medium is obtained as anintermediate form of the product of polymerization. Consequently, byadding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to this latex, thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant is satisfactorily dispersed into thevinyl chloride resin. By thus adding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant tothe latex resulting from polymerization, a vinyl chloride resin forpaste which has desired properties is obtained while avoiding influenceson the polymerization conditions. Thus, the effect of attaining bothhigh antiviral properties and inhibition of initial discoloration duringforming can be more efficiently obtained.

This effect of attaining both high antiviral properties and inhibitionof initial discoloration is thought to be attributable to thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant which comes into the state of having beenfinely dispersed in the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste.

Namely, the finely dispersed state of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantenables the antiviral properties to be exhibited more efficiently. It ispresumed that the addition amount of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant,which enhances initial discoloration during forming, can hence bereduced and, as a result, the discoloration during forming can bemitigated.

The average degree of polymerization of the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin for paste is not particularly limited so long as forming issubstantially possible. However, the average degree of polymerizationthereof is preferably in the range of 500-2,000, more preferably in therange of 700-1,300. In case where the average degree of polymerizationthereof is less than 500, the composition is difficult to processbecause the melt viscosity thereof is low. In case where the averagedegree of polymerization thereof exceeds 2,000, there is a possibilitythat the composition might be difficult to process because of the highmelt viscosity thereof.

In cases when a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste is used, theresultant resin composition has poor handleability before thermalmelting, since the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste has theproperty of becoming pasty at ordinary temperature when mixed with aliquid such as a plasticizer. In the case where the resin composition isformed by a melt shaping method in which the resin composition isthermally melted, kneaded, shaped, and then solidified by cooling, it ispreferred to blend the resin with a suspension vinyl-chloride-basedresin. As such melt shaping methods, there are forming methods involvingan extrusion step, calendering step, or the like. Examples thereofinclude extrusion molding, injection molding, blow molding, calendering,and roll processing.

A more detailed explanation is given below. The poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste which has become pasty due to additionof a plasticizer or the like is a liquid having flowability. Since themachine equipment for melt shaping methods has been designed to besuitable for introduction of solids such as pellets and powdersthereinto, liquids such as pastes cannot generally be used because ofleakage, etc. Furthermore, the machines for use in the step of heatingand kneading have been optimized so as to be capable of melting andkneading solids such as pellets and powders. In case where a liquid isused in these machines, a problem may arise in, for example, that thematerial is not sufficiently kneaded.

Consequently, in the case of using a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinfor paste, the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition can berendered easily formable by the melt shaping method, by blending theresin with a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin to give a solid resincomposition.

As described above, high antiviral properties and prevention of initialdiscoloration during processing can be attained by using a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste to which a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant was added during the production of the vinyl-chloride-basedresin, and an antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition whichshows improved handleability and processability in melt shaping methodsis obtained by mixing the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for pastewith a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin.

The blending ratio between the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste andthe suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin is not particularly limited solong as the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is contained in an amount of0.5-10.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin (sum of the vinyl-chloride-based resin for pasteand the suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin), i.e., based on the wholepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin, and so long as the composition can beformed without arousing a problem. However, the amounts of thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin are preferably 90-10 parts by weight and10-90 parts by weight, respectively. More preferably, the amounts of thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin are 70-20 parts by weight and 30-80 parts byweight, respectively. Even more preferably, the amounts of thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin are 50-20 parts by weight and 50-80 parts byweight, respectively.

The average degree of polymerization of the suspension poly(vinylchloride)-based resin is not particularly limited so long as forming issubstantially possible. However, the average degree of polymerizationthereof is preferably in the range of 500-2,000, more preferably in therange of 700-1,300. In case where the average degree of polymerizationthereof is less than 500, the composition is difficult to processbecause the melt viscosity thereof is low. In case where the averagedegree of polymerization thereof exceeds 2,000, there is a possibilitythat the composition might be difficult to process because of the highmelt viscosity thereof.

Examples of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to be used in theinvention include alkylbenzenesulfonic acid compounds, (alkyldiphenylether)disulfonic acid compounds, alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acidcompounds, alkylsulfuric acid ester compounds, polyoxyethylenealkylsulfuric acid ester compounds, and naphthalenesulfonicacid/formalin condensate compounds. Preferred of these, from thestandpoint of excellent antiviral properties, are alkylbenzenesulfonicacid compounds, (alkyldiphenyl ether)disulfonic acid compounds, andalkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid compounds. More preferred arealkylbenzenesulfonic acid compounds, which are especially superior inantiviral property.

In the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to be used in the invention, thesulfo group has a high affinity for, for example, the neuraimidase ofinfluenza viruses and can exert an inhibitory action thereon. Withrespect to the structure of the functional group, the structure thereofaffects approach to the neuraimidase and it is important that thestructure thereof should be not bulky so that the neuraimidase is lessapt to suffer steric hindrance. In this respect,alkylbenzenesulfonic-acid-based surfactants are suitable, anddodecylbenzenesulfonic-acid-based surfactants are especially preferred.

Furthermore, preferred as the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant aresulfonic-acid-salt-based surfactants. Specifically, alkali metal saltssuch as sodium salts and potassium salts and salts with alkaline earthmetals such as calcium and barium are suitable for use. Especiallypreferred is sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS).

A plurality of sulfonic-acid-based surfactants may be added unless theantiviral properties are lessened thereby, and there are no limitationson addition of other kinds of surfactants.

From the standpoint of imparting antiviral properties, asulfonic-acid-based surfactant is added in an amount of 0.5-10.0 partsby weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin.

The amount thereof is preferably 0.5-7.0 parts by weight, morepreferably 1.5-7.0 parts by weight, even more preferably 1.5-4.2 partsby weight. In case where the amount thereof is less than 0.5 parts byweight, the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet obtained has poorantiviral properties. In case where the amount thereof exceeds 10.0parts by weight, the composition is difficult to process.

In the case of adding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste, the content of the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant based on the sum of the poly(vinyl chloride) resin for pasteand the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is preferably 0.1-15% by weight,more preferably 0.7-10% by weight, especially preferably 1.0-7.5% byweight. In case where the content thereof is less than 0.1% by weight,the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet obtained has poorantiviral properties. When the content thereof exceeds 15% by weight,there are cases where the efficiency of the production of thisvinyl-chloride-based resin for paste becomes poor.

A plasticizer can be added for the purpose of improving the flexibilityand processability. Examples thereof include plasticizers based onesters of aliphatic dibasic acids, such as phthalic-ester-basedplasticizers, e.g., DOP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), DINP (diisononylphthalate), and DIDP (diisodecyl phthalate), adipic-ester-basedplasticizers, e.g., DOA (di-2-ethylhexyl adipate) and DIDA (diisodecyladipate), sebacic-ester-based plasticizers, e.g., DOS (di-2-ethylhexylsebacate), and azelaic-ester-based plasticizers, e.g., DOZ(di-2-ethylhexyl azelate), phosphoric-ester-based plasticizers such astricresyl phosphate, trixylenyl phosphate, cresyl diphenyl phosphate,tris(isopropylphenyl) phosphate, and tris(dichloropropyl) phosphate,polyester-based plasticizers, epoxy-based plasticizers, andsulfonic-ester-based plasticizers. Examples of plasticizers havingsatisfactory compatibility with vinyl-chloride-based resins includephthalic-ester-based plasticizers and polyester-based plasticizershaving a high molecular weight. One plasticizer may be used alone, orplasticizers of multiple kinds may be used in combination.

It is preferable that the amount of the plasticizer to be added shouldbe 10-50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of thevinyl-chloride-based resins. In case where the addition amount of theplasticizer exceeds 50 parts by weight, the resultant resin compositionis prone to become pasty and may have poor handleability before thermalmelting. In case where the amount thereof is less than 10 parts byweight, there is a possibility that the resultant resin composition isdifficult to process. The amount of the plasticizer to be added ispreferably 10-40 parts by weight, more preferably 20-40 parts by weight.

It is noted here that flexible poly(vinyl chloride) resin compositionshaving a plasticizer content of approximately 10 parts or higher havehigher antiviral properties than rigid poly(vinyl chloride) resincompositions having a plasticizer content of approximately less than 10parts in the case where a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been addedto both in the same amount. Namely, an antiviral effect is apt to beobtained with flexible poly(vinyl chloride) resin compositions.

A filler can be added to the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resincomposition for the purpose of improving the processability. As thefiller, use can be made of calcium carbonate, silica, and otherinorganic fillers such as platy fillers, e.g., talc and mica, clays,e.g., bentonite and calcined kaolin, metal oxides, e.g., magnesium oxideand alumina, and metal hydroxides, e.g., magnesium hydroxide andaluminum hydroxide. Any of various surface treatments with fatty acids,modified fatty acids, etc. may have been given to the filler in order toenhance the affinity for vinyl-chloride-based resins.

It is preferable that the amount of the filler to be added should be1-50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the vinyl-chloride-basedresins. When the addition amount of the filler exceeds 50 parts byweight, there are cases where shaped objects, such as sheets, obtainedby forming the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition havepoor surface smoothness. Meanwhile, when the addition amount thereof isless than 1 part by weight, there are cases where the effect ofimproving processability is not obtained. The amount of the filler to beadded is preferably 5-30 parts by weight, more preferably 10-20 parts byweight. In the case where transparency is necessary, the addition amountof the filler is preferably 1-5 parts by weight.

It is preferred to add an acrylic polymeric processing aid to theantiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition for the purpose ofimproving the processability. Examples of the acrylic polymericprocessing aid include acrylic polymeric processing aids such as methylmethacrylate/alkyl acrylate copolymers, e.g., methyl methacrylate/butylacrylate copolymers.

By adding an acrylic polymeric processing aid, the rotational flow anddegassing within the bank during forming by roll processing orcalendering are rendered satisfactory and plate-out is inhibited.Consequently, a sheet having a satisfactory appearance is obtained.

Other compounding agents generally added to resins may be addedaccording to need, such as ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers,ultraviolet-screening agents, antistatic agents, flame retardants,thickeners, surfactants, fluorescent agents, crosslinking agents, andimpact modifiers.

The antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition can be produced bymixing a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste, a suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin, and a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant using aknown production device. For example, the composition can be produced byevenly mixing a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste, a suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin, and a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant bymeans of a high-speed stirrer, low-speed stirrer, Henschel mixer, or thelike. The antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition can beobtained also by subjecting the mixture obtained through mixing to meltmixing by means of a batch heading mixer, Banbury mixer, Kokneader,extruder, or the like. Furthermore, the mixture obtained through themelt mixing may be temporarily pelletized to obtain the antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin composition as pellets. Incidentally,additives including a plasticizer, stabilizer, and filler can be addedat will in accordance with intended uses.

In the case where a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is added during theproduction of a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste, the antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin composition is obtained by mixing asuspension vinyl-chloride-based resin with the vinyl-chloride-basedresin for paste to which the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has beenadded. These vinyl-chloride-based resins may be melt-mixed in the samemanner as described above, and the mixture may be pelletized.

By melt-shaping the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin composition, anantiviral shaped object of a vinyl-chloride-based resin can be obtained.More specifically, an antiviral shaped object of a vinyl-chloride-basedresin can be produced by a production process including a step in which10-90 parts by weight of a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste is mixedwith 90-10 parts by weight of a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resinand a step in which the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin including thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin is melt-shaped, wherein thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste contains a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant. The antiviral shaped object of a vinyl-chloride-based resinthus obtained can be used in various applications. For use in interiordecorative applications, the shaped object can be used as an antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet from the standpoint that the surfacecan be made antiviral over a large area.

The antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet may be constituted of asingle layer or may have a multilayer structure composed of a pluralityof layers. It is preferable that the antiviral vinyl-chloride-basedresin sheet should include at least the antiviral vinyl-chloride-basedresin sheet as the outermost surface. Meanwhile, layers formed byprinting or coating-fluid application may be disposed on the surfaces ofthe antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet so long as the antiviralproperties are exhibited.

In the case of a multilayer structure, the layers to be superposed arenot particularly limited. For example, a poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin layer, a layer of another thermoplastic resin, any of variousfoamed resin layers, a design layer such as a printed layer or coloredlayer, a base layer such as woven fabric or nonwoven fabric, and thelike can be superposed on a layer constituted of the antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin composition, in accordance with intended usesand required properties.

The antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet can be produced by aproduction process including a step in which 10-90 parts by weight of avinyl-chloride-based resin for paste is mixed with 90-10 parts by weightof a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin and a step in which thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin including the vinyl-chloride-basedresin for paste and the suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin ismelt-shaped by calendering, roll processing, or the like, wherein thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste contains a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant.

For the mixing step in the production of the antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet, known devices in common use forthermoplastic resins can be utilized. For example, use may be made of amethod in which the composition of the invention is evenly mixed bymeans of a high-speed stirrer, low-speed stirrer, Henschel mixer, or thelike, subsequently melt-mixed by means of a batch kneading mixer,Banbury mixer, Kokneader, extruder, or the like, and immediately formed.The composition which has undergone melt mixing may be temporarilypelletized and thereafter formed.

For the step of melt shaping in the production of the antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet, use can be made of a method of forminga sheet. Preferred as the sheet forming method is calendering or rollprocessing, from the standpoint of the thickness accuracy of the sheetobtained. From the standpoint of speed, calendering is preferred. Othergeneral sheet forming methods can be used for forming the sheet.Examples thereof include extrusion molding and press molding.

In cases when a vinyl chloride resin for paste is mixed with aplasticizer, the resultant mixture frequently is pasty as stated above.For forming a pasty resin composition into a sheet, a coating machinesuch as, for example, a paste coater is generally used. In this case,there are limitations on the structure, thickness, and width of thesheet, production rate, etc., and this production method is not alwayssuitable for sheet production. In view of this, the desired antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet can be produced by using a blend of avinyl chloride resin for paste with a suspension vinyl chloride resinand using an extruder or calendering machine, which has excellentsheet-forming properties.

[Second Aspect]

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention are described below indetail.

The antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition exhibitsantiviral properties since a given amount of a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been added to the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin. Fromthe standpoint of enabling the composition to exhibit higher antiviralproperties and to be inhibited from suffering coloring during forming,it is preferable that the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant should havebeen added beforehand to the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste.Namely, it is preferred to add the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant duringthe production of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste. Inthis connection, it is possible to add a sulfonic-acid-based surfactantas, for example, an emulsifying agent in a polymerization step. Suchaddition of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant may result in cases where apoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste which has desired propertiesis not obtained due to the influence of the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant added.

Meanwhile, a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant can be added also in apost-polymerization step. It is noted that sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactants are water-soluble, and that in cases when a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste is produced by emulsion polymerizationor seed emulsion polymerization, a latex including water as the mediumis obtained as an intermediate form of the product of polymerization.Consequently, by adding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to this latex,the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is satisfactorily dispersed into thevinyl chloride resin. By thus adding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant tothe latex resulting from polymerization, a poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin for paste which has desired properties is obtained while avoidinginfluences on the polymerization conditions. Thus, the effect ofattaining both high antiviral properties and inhibition of coloringduring forming can be more efficiently obtained.

This effect of attaining both high antiviral properties and inhibitionof coloring is thought to be attributable to the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant which comes into the state of having been finely dispersed inthe poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste.

Namely, the finely dispersed state of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantenables the antiviral properties to be exhibited more efficiently. It ispresumed that the addition amount of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant,which enhances coloring during forming, can hence be reduced and, as aresult, the discoloration during forming can be mitigated.

The average degree of polymerization of the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin for paste is not particularly limited so long as forming issubstantially possible. However, the average degree of polymerizationthereof is preferably in the range of 500-2,000, more preferably in therange of 700-1,300. In case where the average degree of polymerizationthereof is less than 500, the composition is difficult to processbecause the melt viscosity thereof is low. In case where the averagedegree of polymerization thereof exceeds 2,000, there is a possibilitythat the composition might be difficult to process because of the highmelt viscosity thereof.

In cases when a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste is used, thecomposition can be applied to a surface of a base to obtain an interiordecorative sheet, since the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for pastehas the property of becoming pasty at ordinary temperature when mixedwith a liquid such as a plasticizer. However, in cases when asulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been added to the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste, the interior decorative sheet obtainedby applying the composition is prone to absorb water to blush uponimmersion in water or during use in high-humidity places and there arecases where the blushed state remains after drying. In addition, sincethe poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste becomes pasty, the resincomposition has poor handleability before thermal melting.

Consequently, in the case where the resin composition is to be formed bya melt shaping method in which the resin composition is thermallymelted, kneaded, shaped, and then solidified by cooling, it is preferredto blend the resin with a suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin.As such melt shaping methods, there are forming methods involving anextrusion step, calendering step, or the like. Examples thereof includeextrusion molding, injection molding, blow molding, calendering, androll processing.

A more detailed explanation is given below. The poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste which has become pasty due to additionof a plasticizer or the like is a liquid having flowability. Since themachine equipment for melt shaping methods has been designed to besuitable for introduction of solids such as pellets and powdersthereinto, liquids such as pastes cannot generally be used because ofleakage, etc. Furthermore, the machines for use in the step of heatingand kneading have been optimized so as to be capable of melting andkneading solids such as pellets and powders. In case where a liquid isused in these machines, a problem may arise in, for example, that thematerial is not sufficiently kneaded.

Consequently, in the case of using a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinfor paste, the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin compositioncan be rendered easily formable by the melt shaping method, by blendingthe resin with a suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin to give asolid resin composition.

As described above, high antiviral properties and more effectiveprevention of coloring during processing can be attained by using apoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste to which asulfonic-acid-based surfactant was added during the production of thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin. Furthermore, an antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based resin composition which shows improved handleability andprocessability in melt shaping methods is obtained by mixing thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste with a suspension poly(vinylchloride)-based resin.

There are cases where the interior decorative sheet obtained by applyinga vinyl-chloride-based sol composition including a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste which contains a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant in a given amount suffers blushing by the influence of water.This blushing is thought to be a phenomenon in which in cases when theinterior decorative sheet is immersed in water or used in high-humidityplaces, then the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant in the resin absorbswater or dissolves away in the water to thereby blush the sheet.Especially in transparent products, there are cases where such waterblushing deprives the products of the transparency. In contrast, theblushing due to water can be inhibited by forming the antiviralpoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition into an interior decorativesheet by a melt shaping method.

The average degree of polymerization of the suspension poly(vinylchloride)-based resin is not particularly limited so long as forming issubstantially possible. However, the average degree of polymerizationthereof is preferably in the range of 500-2,000, more preferably in therange of 700-1,300. In case where the average degree of polymerizationthereof is less than 500, the composition is difficult to processbecause the melt viscosity thereof is low. In case where the averagedegree of polymerization thereof exceeds 2,000, there is a possibilitythat the composition might be difficult to process because of the highmelt viscosity thereof.

As the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to be used in the invention, thesame sulfonic-acid-based surfactants as in the first aspect can be used.Preferred examples thereof are also the same.

From the standpoint of imparting antiviral properties, asulfonic-acid-based surfactant is added in an amount of 0.5-10.0 partsby weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin.

The amount thereof is preferably 0.5-5.0 parts by weight, morepreferably 0.8-4.4 parts by weight. In case where the amount thereof isless than 0.5 parts by weight, the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resinsheet obtained has poor antiviral properties. In case where the amountthereof exceeds 10.0 parts by weight, the composition is difficult toprocess.

In the case of adding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste, the content of the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant based on the sum of the poly(vinyl chloride) resin for pasteand the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is preferably 0.1-15% by weight,more preferably 0.7-10% by weight, especially preferably 1.0-7.5% byweight. In case where the content thereof is less than 0.1% by weight,the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin sheet obtained has poorantiviral properties. When the content thereof exceeds 15% by weight,there are cases where the efficiency of the production of thispoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste becomes poor.

As the plasticizer, a common plasticizer can be used. Examples thereofinclude plasticizers based on esters of aliphatic dibasic acids, such asphthalic-ester-based plasticizers, e.g., DOP (di-2-ethylhexylphthalate), DINP (diisononyl phthalate), and DIDP (diisodecylphthalate), adipic-ester-based plasticizers, e.g., DOA (di-2-ethylhexyladipate) and DIDA (diisodecyl adipate), sebacic-ester-basedplasticizers, e.g., DOS (di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate), andazelaic-ester-based plasticizers, e.g., DOZ (di-2-ethylhexyl azelate),phosphoric-ester-based plasticizers such as tricresyl phosphate,trixylenyl phosphate, cresyl diphenyl phosphate, tris(isopropylphenyl)phosphate, and tris(dichloropropyl) phosphate, polyester-basedplasticizers, epoxy-based plasticizers, and sulfonic-ester-basedplasticizers. Examples of plasticizers having satisfactory compatibilitywith poly(vinyl chloride)-based resins include phthalic-ester-basedplasticizers and polyester-based plasticizers having a high molecularweight. One plasticizer may be used alone, or plasticizers of multiplekinds may be used in combination.

The amount of the plasticizer to be added is 10-100 parts by weight per100 parts by weight of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resins. In casewhere the addition amount of the plasticizer exceeds 100 parts byweight, the resultant resin composition is prone to become pasty and mayhave poor handleability before thermal melting. In case where the amountthereof is less than 10 parts by weight, there is a possibility that theresultant resin composition is difficult to process. The amount of theplasticizer to be added is preferably 10-70 parts by weight, morepreferably 20-50 parts by weight.

In the case where the interior decorative sheet is for use on floorsurfaces, the amount of the plasticizer to be added, per 100 parts byweight of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resins, is preferably 10-50parts by weight, more preferably 10-40 parts by weight, most preferably20-40 parts by weight, from the standpoint of antifouling property. Incase where the addition amount of the plasticizer exceeds 50 parts byweight, fouling substances are prone to adhere to the interiordecorative sheet formed from the composition, and the adherent foulingsubstances are difficult to remove by simple cleaning.

It is noted here that flexible poly(vinyl chloride) resin compositionshaving a plasticizer content of approximately 10 parts by weight orhigher have higher antiviral properties than rigid poly(vinyl chloride)resin compositions having a plasticizer content of approximately lessthan 10 parts by weight in the case where a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been added to both in the same amount. Namely, anantiviral effect is apt to be obtained with flexible poly(vinylchloride) resin compositions.

A filler can be added to the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincomposition for the purpose of improving the processability. As thefiller, use can be made of calcium carbonate, silica, and otherinorganic fillers such as platy fillers, e.g., talc and mica, clays,e.g., bentonite and calcined kaolin, metal oxides, e.g., magnesium oxideand alumina, and metal hydroxides, e.g., magnesium hydroxide andaluminum hydroxide. Any of various surface treatments with fatty acids,modified fatty acids, etc. may have been given to the filler in order toenhance the affinity for poly(vinyl chloride)-based resins.

It is preferable that the amount of the filler to be added should be1-50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinylchloride)-based resins. When the addition amount of the filler exceeds50 parts by weight, there are cases where shaped objects, such assheets, obtained by forming the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin composition have poor surface smoothness. Meanwhile, when theaddition amount thereof is less than 1 part by weight, there are caseswhere the effect of improving processability is not obtained. The amountof the filler to be added is preferably 5-30 parts by weight, morepreferably 10-20 parts by weight. In the case where transparency isnecessary, the addition amount of the filler is preferably 1-5 parts byweight.

It is preferred to add an acrylic polymeric processing aid to theantiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition for the purposeof improving the processability. Examples of the acrylic polymericprocessing aid include acrylic polymeric processing aids such as methylmethacrylate/alkyl acrylate copolymers, e.g., methyl methacrylate/butylacrylate copolymers.

By adding an acrylic polymeric processing aid, the rotational flow anddegassing within the bank during forming by roll processing orcalendering are rendered satisfactory and plate-out is inhibited.Consequently, a sheet having a satisfactory appearance is obtained.

Other compounding agents generally added to resins may be addedaccording to need, such as ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers,ultraviolet-screening agents, antistatic agents, flame retardants,thickeners, surfactants, fluorescent agents, crosslinking agents, andimpact modifiers.

The interior decorative sheet according to an embodiment of theinvention may be constituted of a single layer or have a multilayerstructure composed of a plurality of layers, so long as the sheetincludes the surface layer. By disposing the surface layer constitutedof the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition so as toform the outermost surface, the interior decorative sheet can be made toeffectively exhibit the antiviral properties. Meanwhile, layers formedby printing or coating-fluid application may be disposed on the surfaceof the surface layer constituted of the antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based resin composition, so long as the antiviral propertiesare exhibited.

In the case of a multilayer structure, the layers to be superposed arenot particularly limited. For example, use can be made of a layerconstituted of the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincomposition, a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer, and a layer ofanother thermoplastic resin. Furthermore, layers according to uses andrequired properties, such as any of various foamed resin layers, adesign layer, e.g., a printed layer or a colored layer, and a baselayer, e.g., woven fabric or nonwoven fabric, can be superposed. For thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer, use can be made of either asingle poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin, e.g., a suspension poly(vinylchloride)-based resin or a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste,or a mixture of such resins.

The interior decorative sheet according to an embodiment of theinvention can be suitable for use as a flooring material. For use as aflooring material, the interior decorative sheet is required to havedurability, thickness, etc. It is hence preferable that the interiordecorative sheet should be a layered product including a surface layerconstituted of the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincomposition and a back layer. It is possible to ensure durability andthickness due to the back layer and to exhibit antiviral properties dueto the surface layer.

The back layer of the flooring material preferably is a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin layer, and it is possible to add 10-100 parts byweight of a plasticizer and 20-500 parts by weight of a filler to 100parts by weight of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin(s). Thepoly(vinyl chloride) resins usable in the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin layer in the back layer are not particularly limited, and use canbe made of either any of a suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin,a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste, and the like alone or amixture of such resins.

The surface layer constituted of the antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based resin composition can be produced by a productionprocess including a step in which a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin forpaste is mixed with a suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin toobtain a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin, a step in which thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin is mixed with a plasticizer to obtainan antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition, and a step inwhich the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition ismelt-shaped.

It is preferable that the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant should havebeen added during the production of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinfor paste. In this case, the surface layer can be produced by aproduction process including a step in which a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste that contains a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant is mixed with a suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinto obtain a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin, a step in which thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin is mixed with a plasticizer to obtainan antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition, and a step inwhich the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition ismelt-shaped.

The step of obtaining a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin and the step ofobtaining an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition maybe successively conducted as separate steps, or may be simultaneouslyconducted. Use may be made of a method in which a plasticizer and otheringredient(s) are added to either a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin forpaste or a suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin and, thereafter,the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste and the suspensionpoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin are mixed with each other.

Preferred from the standpoints of operation efficiency and cost is aproduction process wherein an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincomposition is obtained through a step in which a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste that contains a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant is mixed with a suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinand in which a plasticizer, a stabilizer, etc. are added and kneaded.

For the step of obtaining a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin, knownproduction devices can be used. For example, the resin can be producedby evenly mixing a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste with asuspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin by means of a high-seedstirrer, low-speed stirrer, Henschel mixer, or the like. The poly(vinylchloride)-based resin can be obtained also by subjecting the mixtureobtained through the mixing to melt mixing by means of a batch kneadingmixer, Banbury mixer, Kokneader, extruder, or the like. Furthermore, themixture obtained through the melt mixing may be temporarily pelletized.It is also possible to use a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for pasteto which a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant was added during theproduction of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste.

For the step of obtaining an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincomposition, known production devices can be used. For example, thecomposition can be produced by evenly mixing a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste, a suspension poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin, a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant, and a plasticizer by means of ahigh-speed stirrer, low-speed stirrer, Henschel mixer, or the like. Theantiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition can be obtainedalso by subjecting the mixture obtained through the mixing to meltmixing by means of a batch kneading mixer, Banbury mixer, Kokneader,extruder, or the like. Furthermore, the mixture obtained through themelt mixing may be temporarily pelletized to obtain the antiviralpoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition as pellets. Incidentally,additives such as a stabilizer and a filler can be added at will inaccordance with intended uses. It is possible to use a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste to which a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant was added during the production of the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste.

The surface layer of the interior decorative sheet according to anembodiment of the invention can be obtained by melt-shaping theantiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition. In cases whenthe interior decorative sheet has a single-layer structure, the surfacelayer constituted of the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resincomposition is the interior decorative sheet. In cases when the interiordecorative sheet has a multilayer structure, this interior decorativesheet is obtained by laminating the surface layer constituted of theantiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin composition to otherlayer(s), e.g., a back layer. For laminating the surface layer to otherlayers, use can be made of production techniques such as hot laminating,hot pressing, bonding with an adhesive, etc.

For the step of melt-shaping the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin composition, use can be made of a method of forming a sheet.Preferred as the sheet forming method is calendering or roll processing,from the standpoint of the thickness accuracy of the sheet obtained.From the standpoint of speed, calendering is preferred. Other generalsheet forming methods can be used for forming the sheet. Examplesthereof include extrusion molding and press molding.

In cases when a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste is mixed witha plasticizer, the resultant mixture frequently is pasty as statedabove. For forming a pasty resin composition into a sheet, a coatingmachine such as, for example, a paste coater is generally used. In thiscase, there are limitations on the structure, thickness, and width ofthe sheet, production rate, etc., and this production method is notalways suitable for sheet production. In view of this, the desiredantiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin sheet can be produced byusing a blend of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste with asuspension vinyl chloride resin and using an extruder or calenderingmachine, which has excellent sheet-forming properties.

[Third Aspect]

The interior decorative sheet made of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinaccording to the third aspect of the invention includes a base layer andan antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer, and the antiviralpoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer has been disposed on the frontsurface side within the interior decorative sheet made of a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin. The antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinlayer includes a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste and aplasticizer.

A sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been added beforehand to thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste to be used in the invention.

With respect to methods for the addition, one method is to add asulfonic-acid-based surfactant as an emulsifying agent in thepolymerization step described above. However, such addition of asulfonic-acid-based surfactant may result in cases where a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste which has desired properties is notobtained due to the influence of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantadded.

Meanwhile, a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant can be added also in apost-polymerization step. It is noted that sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactants are water-soluble, and that in cases when a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste is produced by emulsion polymerizationor seed emulsion polymerization, a latex including water as the mediumis obtained as an intermediate form of the product of polymerization.Consequently, by adding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to this latex,the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is satisfactorily dispersed into thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin. By thus adding a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant to the latex resulting from polymerization, a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste which has desired properties is obtainedwhile avoiding influences on the polymerization conditions.

Since a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant was added beforehand during theproduction of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste, thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant in the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinfor paste is in a finely dispersed state. Because of this, thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant shows satisfactory dispersibility also inthe poly(vinyl chloride)-based sol composition, making it possible toobtain the interior decorative sheet made of a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin, without impairing the surface appearance.

The poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin to be used as the base of thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste to be used in the inventionis not particularly limited. However, a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinhaving a degree of polymerization of, for example, 600-5,000 issuitable.

As the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to be used in the invention, thesame sulfonic-acid-based surfactants as in the first aspect can be used.Preferred examples thereof are also the same.

The poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste to be used in theinvention must contain a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant in an amount of0.1-7.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the resinousingredient. The content thereof is preferably 0.5-5.0 parts weight, morepreferably 1.0-2.5 parts by weight. In case where the content thereof isless than 0.1 part by weight, the interior decorative sheet hasinsufficient antiviral properties. In case where the content thereofexceeds 7.5 parts by weight, the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-basedsol composition has poor defoamability. There is hence a possibilitythat the defoaming of the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition might require much time or that the sol composition cannotbe sufficiently defoamed and the interior decorative poly(vinylchloride)-based resin sheet might have a surface with recesses andprotrusions due to bubble inclusion, resulting in an impairedappearance. This trouble is explained below. In cases when an antiviralpoly(vinyl chloride)-based sol composition is applied to a base layerand when bubbles remain in the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition, then the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layerformed by the application also contains bubbles. Consequently, there arecases where in the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer,some of the bubbles become protrusions and others break to leave themarks thereof in the surface, resulting in appearance failures. Inaddition, there are cases where the poor defoamability necessitates aseparate defoaming step or where the defoaming step requires a prolongedtime period to increase the production cost.

In the case where there is a possibility that the interior decorativesheet made of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin might come into contactwith water, it is preferred to regulate the addition amount of thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant to 0.1-3.0 parts by weight, from thestandpoint of preventing the interior decorative sheet made of apoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin from blushing. Especially in the casewhere the interior decorative sheet made of a poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin is transparent or has a dark color, the blushing is noticeable andit is hence more preferred to regulate the addition amount of thesurfactant to 0.1-2.0 parts by weight.

The poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste to be used in theinvention may be constituted only of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinfor paste which contains 0.1-7.5 parts by weight of asulfonic-acid-based surfactant added thereto beforehand, or may be amixture of such a surfactant-containing poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinfor paste with other poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin(s) for paste. Inthe case where a plurality of poly(vinyl chloride)-based resins forpaste are used as a mixture thereof, this mixture is not limited so longas a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is contained therein in an amount of0.1-7.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the resinousingredient of the whole mixture.

As the plasticizer, a common plasticizer can be used. Examples thereofinclude di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DOP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP),diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), diundecylphthalate (DUP), di-2-ethylhexyl adipate (DOA), diisodecyl adipate(DIDA), di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate (DOS), tricresyl phosphate (TCP),trixylenyl phosphate (TXP), trioctyl trimellitate (TOTM), acetyltributyl citrate (ATBC), polyester-based plasticizers, and chlorinatedparaffins. One plasticizer may be used alone, or plasticizers ofmultiple kinds may be used in combination.

The amount of the plasticizer to be added is 10-100 parts by weight per100 parts by weight of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste.In case where the addition amount of the plasticizer exceeds 100 partsby weight, fouling substances are prone to adhere to the resultantinterior decorative sheet made of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin andthe adherent fouling substances cannot be removed by simple cleaning. Incase where the addition amount thereof is less than 10 parts by weight,the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based sol composition is difficult toprepare or apply. From the standpoint of obtaining an antiviralpoly(vinyl chloride)-based sol composition which is easy to prepare andapply and which has high antifouling properties, the addition amount ofthe plasticizer is preferably 10-82 parts by weight, more preferably10-40 parts by weight.

Other compounding agents generally added to resins may be addedaccording to need, such as stabilizers, fillers, ultraviolet absorbers,light stabilizers, ultraviolet-screening agents, antistatic agents,foaming agents, flame retardants, thickeners, surfactants, fluorescentagents, crosslinking agents, impact modifiers, antibacterial agents,viscosity-lowering agents, fungicides, flame retardants, flameproofingagents, and defoamers.

The base layer is not particularly limited. Use can be made of a sheetobtained by forming a synthetic resin, e.g., a vinyl chloride resin,into a sheet using a calendering machine, extrusion molding machine,injection molding machine, compression molding machine, casting machine,or the like, or of a material such as paper, woven fabric, or nonwovenfabric. A layer of a material such as paper, woven fabric, or nonwovenfabric may be laminated to a layer of a synthetic resin to obtain a baselayer.

The interior decorative poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin sheet of theinvention is obtained by applying the antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based sol composition of the invention to a surface of a baselayer.

The antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based sol composition is obtainedfrom a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste to which asulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been added beforehand, by stirringthis poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste together with aplasticizer, etc. by means of a mixer or the like.

After being applied, the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition must be solidified by drying. Examples of conditions of thesolidification by drying include a method in which the sol compositionapplied is heated at a temperature of 180-220° C. for 3-5 minutes usingan oven or the like.

For stirring the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste togetherwith a plasticizer, use can be made of a dissolver type mixer, butterflymixer, universal stirrer, or the like.

For applying the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based sol composition toa base layer, use can be made of knife coating, gravure coating, rollcoating, bar coating, die coating, or the like.

For drying and solidifying the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition after the application, use can be made of a hot-air dryingoven, far-infrared-radiation drying oven, or the like.

Furthermore, the interior decorative sheet may be produced so as to havea multilayer structure by disposing any of various foamed resin layersand a design layer such as a printed layer or a colored layer on a baseand further disposing an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinlayer by applying the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition thereon. Layers can be superposed in accordance withintended uses and required properties. In either case, however, it isnecessary that the base should have strength which enables the base towithstand high temperatures during the heating. In the case where theantiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based sol composition is applied to thedesign layer, it is preferable that the antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based resin layer should be transparent. Thus, the designlayer can be seen through the surface, and the interior decorative sheethas excellent design attractiveness. Besides being a printed layer orcolored layer mentioned above as an example, the design layer may be anylayer which visually presents a beautiful appearance. It is alsopossible to configure a design layer, e.g., a colored layer or a printedlayer, as an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer.

A grain can be formed in the upper surface of the surface layer of theinterior decorative poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin sheet by embossingor the like. The formation of a grain can widen design variations.

A preferred form of fine recesses and protrusions to be formed in theupper surface of the surface layer of the interior decorative sheet madeof a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin has an arithmetic averageroughness Ra of 5-20 μm, more preferably 15 μm. A pattern made up ofcontinuous gentle-sloping (broad) recesses and protrusions which formdelicate and complicated curves is preferable to a pattern in whichindependent (sharp) protrusions are scatteringly present, from thestandpoint of antifouling property.

A topcoat layer may be disposed on a surface of the interior decorativepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin sheet of the invention unless theantiviral properties are lessened thereby. By disposing a topcoat layer,the antifouling properties can be improved. The topcoat layer can bedisposed, for example, by applying a coating material prepared from aresin composition for topcoating. As the resin of the resin compositionfor topcoating, use can be made of an acrylic resin, urethane resin,fluororesin, or the like.

In the case of disposing a topcoat layer by applying a coating agent(coating material), the coating agent is applied to the surface of theantiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer so that the topcoatlayer has fine interstices therein. Consequently, thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant contained in the antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based resin layer can be partly exposed in the surface and,hence, is capable of attacking viruses which have come into contact withthe surface of the interior decorative sheet. Thus, even when a topcoatlayer has been disposed, the interior decorative sheet exhibits theantiviral properties.

The interior decorative poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin sheet of theinvention is effective, for example, against viruses having an envelope.

Examples of the viruses having an envelope include influenza virusessuch as avian influenza viruses, human influenza viruses, and porcineinfluenza viruses, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, humanimmunodeficiency virus, varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus,human herpes virus, mumps virus, and RS virus.

[Fourth Aspect]

The fourth aspect of the invention is described below in detail.

The interior decorative sheet according to the fourth aspect of theinvention is an interior decorative sheet including a surface layerwhich is constituted of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin compositionincluding 100 parts by weight of a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin,0.1-10.0 parts by weight of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant, 10-50parts by weight of a plasticizer, and 1-20 parts by weight of asilicone-based copolymer.

From the standpoint of imparting antiviral properties to the interiordecorative sheet, a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant must be contained inan amount of 0.1-10.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin.

This feature is first described below in detail.

The poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin to be used in the surface layer ofthe interior decorative sheet is a thermoplastic resin which includesvinyl chloride as the main constituent unit and which may containcomonomer units other than vinyl chloride. The content of such comonomerunits other than vinyl chloride is not particularly limited so long asthe present invention is not affected thereby. However, the content ofthe comonomer units in all the monomer units is preferably 0-30% bymole, more preferably 0-10% by mole. Examples thereof include poly(vinylchloride), ethylene/vinyl chloride copolymers, propylene/vinyl chloridecopolymers, vinyl chloride/acrylic resin copolymers, vinylchloride/urethane copolymers, vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloridecopolymers, and vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate copolymers. One of thesepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resins may be used alone, or two or morethereof may be used in combination. Poly(vinyl chloride) is preferred ofthese poly(vinyl chloride)-based resins from the standpoints ofprocessability and cost.

The average degree of polymerization of the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin is not particularly limited so long as forming is substantiallypossible. However, the average degree of polymerization thereof ispreferably in the range of 500-2,000, more preferably in the range of700-1,800. In case where the average degree of polymerization thereof isless than 500, the composition is difficult to process since the meltviscosity thereof is low. In case where the average degree ofpolymerization thereof exceeds 2,000, there is a possibility that thecomposition might be difficult to process because of the high meltviscosity thereof. With respect to the antifouling properties of theinterior decorative sheet, there is a tendency that the higher theaverage degree of polymerization of the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin, the higher the antifouling properties.

Examples of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant include surfactants basedon an alkylsulfuric acid ester, surfactants based on analkylbenzenesulfonic acid, surfactants based on analkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, surfactants based on an (alkyldiphenylether)disulfonic acid, surfactants based on a polyoxyethylenealkylsulfuric acid ester, and naphthalenesulfonic acid/formalincondensates. Surfactants based on an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid arepreferred because these surfactants have a high antiviral effect. Morepreferred are surfactants based on dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid.Furthermore, suitable for use as the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant arealkali metal salts, such as sodium salts and potassium salts, and saltswith alkaline earth metals such as calcium and barium.

The content of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant used in the inventionis 0.1-10.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin, and is preferably 1-8.1 part by weight, morepreferably 1-5 parts by weight. In case where the content thereof isless than 0.1 part by weight, the antiviral effect is insufficient. Incase where the content thereof exceeds 10 parts by weight, there is apossibility that this composition might have poor processability to givean antiviral decorative sheet which has a poor surface state due tobleeding and is apt to be fouled.

There are cases where a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin takes a colorwhen formed after addition of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant thereto.

With respect to this problem, the coloring of the resin can beeffectively inhibited by using a vinyl-chloride-based resin for pasteinto which a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been added beforehand.

It is noted that the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin compositionexhibits antiviral properties since a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant hasbeen added in a given amount to the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin.From the standpoint of enabling the composition to exhibit higherantiviral properties and to be inhibited from suffering initialdiscoloration during forming, it is preferable that thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant should have been added to avinyl-chloride-based resin for paste. In this connection, it is possibleto add a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant as, for example, an emulsifyingagent during polymerization. Such addition of a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant may result in cases where a vinyl-chloride-based resin forpaste which has desired properties is not obtained due to the influenceof the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant added.

Meanwhile, it is noted that sulfonic-acid-based surfactants arewater-soluble, and that in cases when a vinyl chloride resin for pasteis produced by emulsion polymerization or seed emulsion polymerization,a latex including water as the medium is obtained as an intermediateform of the product of polymerization. Consequently, by adding asulfonic-acid-based surfactant to this latex, the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant is satisfactorily dispersed into the vinyl chloride resin. Bythus adding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to the latex resulting frompolymerization, a vinyl chloride resin for paste which has desiredproperties is obtained while avoiding influences on the polymerizationconditions. Thus, the effect of attaining both high antiviral propertiesand inhibition of initial discoloration during forming can be moreefficiently obtained.

As the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to be added to the latex resultingfrom polymerization when producing a vinyl-chloride-based resin forpaste, use can be made of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant describedabove. Examples thereof include surfactants based on an alkylsulfuricacid ester, surfactants based on an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid,surfactants based on an alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, surfactants basedon an (alkyldiphenyl ether)disulfonic acid, surfactants based on apolyoxyethylene alkylsulfuric acid ester, and naphthalenesulfonicacid/formalin condensates. Surfactants based on an alkylbenzenesulfonicacid are preferred because these surfactants have a high antiviraleffect. More preferred are surfactants based on dodecylbenzenesulfonicacid. Furthermore, suitable for use as the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant are alkali metal salts, such as sodium salts and potassiumsalts, and salts with alkaline earth metals such as calcium and barium.

The content of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant in the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste into which the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been added beforehand is preferably 0.1-15% by weight,more preferably 0.7-10% by weight, especially preferably 1.0-7.5% byweight, based on the sum of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin forpaste and the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant. In case where the contentthereof is less than 0.1% by weight, the interior decorative sheetobtained has poor antiviral properties. In case where the contentthereof exceeds 15% by weight, the efficiency of the production of thisvinyl-chloride-based resin for paste becomes poor.

The average degree of polymerization of the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin for paste is not particularly limited so long as forming issubstantially possible. However, the average degree of polymerizationthereof is preferably in the range of 500-2,000, more preferably in therange of 700-1,800. In case where the average degree of polymerizationthereof is less than 500, the composition is difficult to process sincethe melt viscosity thereof is low. In case where the average degree ofpolymerization thereof exceeds 2,000, there is a possibility that thecomposition might be difficult to process because of the high meltviscosity thereof.

In cases when a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste is used,processing methods are limited to coating and the like since thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste has the property of becomingpasty at ordinary temperature when mixed with a liquid such as aplasticizer. In the case where the resin composition is to be formed bya melt shaping method in which the resin composition is thermallymelted, kneaded, shaped, and then solidified by cooling, it is preferredto blend the resin with a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin.

The term “suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin” means avinyl-chloride-based resin obtained mainly by a suspensionpolymerization method and having a porous indefinite shape with aparticle diameter of 50-200 μm. Due to the porous shape, thisvinyl-chloride-based resin can absorb liquids such as plasticizers andcan hence prevent the composition from becoming pasty.

The blending ratio between the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste andthe suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin is not particularly limited solong as the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is contained in an amount of0.1-10.0 pasts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin (here, the sum of the vinyl-chloride-based resinfor paste and the suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin) and so long asthe composition can be formed without arousing a problem. However, theamounts of the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin in the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin arepreferably 100-1 part by weight and 0-99 parts by weight, respectively.More preferably, the amounts of the vinyl-chloride-based resin for pasteand the suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin are 70-10 parts by weightand 30-90 parts by weight, respectively. Most preferably, the amounts ofthe vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste and the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin are 50-20 parts by weight and 50-80 parts byweight, respectively.

The average degree of polymerization of the suspension poly(vinylchloride)-based resin is not particularly limited so long as forming issubstantially possible. However, the average degree of polymerizationthereof is preferably in the range of 500-2,000, more preferably in therange of 700-1,800. In case where the average degree of polymerizationthereof is less than 500, the composition is difficult to process sincethe melt viscosity thereof is low. In case where the average degree ofpolymerization thereof exceeds 2,000, there is a possibility that thecomposition might be difficult to process because of the high meltviscosity thereof.

Next, from the standpoint of imparting antifouling properties to theinterior decorative sheet, the composition must contain 1-20 parts byweight of a silicone-based copolymer and 10-50 parts by weight of aplasticizer per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinyl chloride)-basedresin.

This feature is described below in detail.

The silicone-based copolymer may be a copolymer of a silicone with anyof various organic resins copolymerizable with silicones. Examples ofthe silicone-copolymerizable resins include acrylic resins, urethaneresins, epoxy resins, polyester resins, fluororesins, polyimide resins,and polycarbonate resins. By reacting a silicone with one or more ofthese copolymerizable resins, a silicone-based copolymer is obtained. Asilicone-based copolymer obtained by reacting a silicone with any ofacrylic resins, urethane resins, epoxy resins, and polyester resins,among those, is preferred since this silicone-based copolymer hassatisfactory compatibility with vinyl-chloride-based resins.

Examples of the structure of the silicone-based copolymer include: ablock copolymer in which one or more silicone chains have beenblock-wise disposed in a framework of a silicone-copolymerizable resin;and a graft copolymer in which one or more silicone chains have beendisposed as side chains of a silicone-copolymerizable resin or one ormore chains of a silicone-copolymerizable resin have been disposed asside chains of a silicone. Preferred are the graft copolymers. Morepreferred are the graft copolymer in which one or more chains of acopolymerizable resin have been disposed as side chains of a silicone.

As a silicone-based graft copolymer, use can be made of a copolymer of acore/shell structure which is configured of a silicone-based compositerubber and a graft layer disposed on the periphery thereof. Examplesthereof include a graft copolymer based on a silicone/acrylic compositerubber. The graft copolymer based on a silicone/acrylic composite rubberis a copolymer obtained by grafting a vinyl-based polymer, e.g., apolymer of a methacrylic ester or acrylic ester, onto the periphery of aparticulate composite rubber configured of a polyorganosiloxane and apoly(alkyl (meth)acrylate).

The addition amount of the silicone-based copolymer is 1-20 parts byweight per 100 parts by weight of the vinyl-chloride-based resin. Thisresin composition can be processed by a common sheet forming method suchas calendering or extrusion molding. However, in case where the additionamount of the silicone-based copolymer exceeds 20 parts by weight, thecomposition has reduced processability and the sheet formed therefromhas appearance failures. In case where the addition amount thereof isless than 1 part by weight, troubles arise, such as insufficientantifouling properties. From the standpoint of enabling the interiordecorative sheet to have a satisfactory appearance and satisfactoryantifouling properties, the addition amount is preferably 1-20 parts byweight, more preferably 3-10 parts by weight.

As the plasticizer, a common plasticizer can be used. Examples thereofinclude plasticizers based on esters of aliphatic dibasic acids, such asphthalic-ester-based plasticizers, e.g., DOP (di-2-ethylhexylphthalate), DINP (diisononyl phthalate), and DIDP (diisodecylphthalate), adipic-ester-based plasticizers, e.g., DOA (di-2-ethylhexyladipate) and DIDA (diisodecyl adipate), sebacic-ester-basedplasticizers, e.g., DOS (di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate), azelaic-ester-basedplasticizers, e.g., DOZ (di-2-ethylhexyl azelate),phosphoric-ester-based plasticizers such as TCP (tricresyl phosphate),TPP (triphenyl phosphate), and TXP (trixylenyl phosphate),trimellitic-ester-based plasticizers such as TOTM (tris-2-ethylhexyltrimellitate), polyester-based plasticizers, epoxy-based plasticizers,and sulfonic-ester-based plasticizers. Examples of plasticizers havingsatisfactory compatibility with vinyl-chloride-based resins includephthalic-ester-based plasticizers and polyester-based plasticizershaving a high molecular weight. One plasticizer may be used alone, orplasticizers of multiple kinds may be used in combination.

The addition amount of the plasticizer is 10-50 parts by weight per 100parts by weight of the vinyl-chloride-based resin. In case where theaddition amount of the plasticizer exceeds 50 parts by weight, foulingsubstances are prone to adhere to the interior decorative sheet obtainedfrom this composition and the adherent fouling substances cannot beremoved by simple cleaning. Namely, sufficient antifouling propertiesare not obtained. In case where the addition amount thereof is less than10 parts by weight, this composition is difficult to process or can beprocessed to only give an interior decorative sheet which is so rigidthat application thereof arouses troubles such as cracking and blushing.The addition amount of the plasticizer is preferably 10-40 parts byweight, more preferably 20-40 parts by weight.

A filler can be added to the interior decorative sheet for the purposeof improving the processability. As the filler, use can be made ofcalcium carbonate, silica, and other inorganic fillers such as platyfillers, e.g., talc and mica, clays, e.g., bentonite and calcinedkaolin, metal oxides, e.g., magnesium oxide and alumina, and metalhydroxides, e.g., magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. Any ofvarious surface treatments with fatty acids, modified fatty acids, etc.may have been given to the filler in order to enhance the affinity forthe vinyl-chloride-based resin.

It is preferable that the amount of the filler to be added should be1-50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the vinyl-chloride-basedresin. In case where the addition amount of the filler exceeds 50 partsby weight, the filler exerts a greater influence on the surfacesmoothness of the interior decorative sheet and enhances the surfaceroughness of the surface layer, thereby rendering fouling substancesprone to adhere to the surface. When the addition amount thereof is lessthan 1 part by weight, there are cases where the effect of improvingprocessability is not obtained. The addition amount of the filler ispreferably 5-30 parts by weight, more preferably 10-20 parts by weight.In the case of disposing a design layer such as a printed layer beneaththe surface layer, it is preferable that the addition amount of thefiller should be 10 parts by weight or less since the surface layer isrequired to have transparency for enabling the design to be seen.

The antifouling properties of the surface layer of the interiordecorative sheet vary depending on the particle size and shape of thefiller added. With respect to the average particle diameter of thefiller, when the average particle diameter is expressed in terms ofmedian diameter which is the 50% diameter calculated from a cumulativeparticle size distribution determined by laser diffractometry, a fillerhaving a median diameter in the range of 2-10 μm is preferred. When theaverage particle diameter is expressed in terms of specific-surface-areadiameter which is an average particle diameter calculated by conversionfrom a specific surface area determined by the BET method, Blainepermeation method, or the like, a filler having a specific-surface-areadiameter in the range of 1-5 μm is preferred. With respect to the shapeof the filler, a platy shape is preferred. In cases when afiller-containing resin compound is processed, a platy filler is moreapt to be aligned along the direction of the flow of the resin compoundbeing processed, as compared with spherical fillers or fillers ofindefinite shapes, and are apt to be present in the aligned state alsoin the sheet formed. Consequently, the resultant sheet tends to havereduced surface roughness, and fouling substances are less apt to adherethereto and are easy to remove therefrom. Examples of the platy fillerinclude talc and mica.

It is preferred to add an acrylic polymeric processing aid to theinterior decorative sheet for the purpose of improving theprocessability. Examples of the acrylic polymeric processing aid includeacrylic polymeric processing aids such as methyl methacrylate/alkylacrylate copolymers, e.g., methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylatecopolymers.

By adding an acrylic polymeric processing aid, the rotational flow anddegassing within the bank during forming by roll processing orcalendering are rendered satisfactory and plate-out is inhibited.Consequently, a sheet having a satisfactory appearance is obtained.

It is preferred to add a .beta.-diketone or a coloring inhibitorconstituted of a combination of an anion of an inorganic compoundcontaining any of elements belonging to Groups 13, 15, and 17 of theperiodic table (e.g., PF⁶⁻, SbF⁶⁻, AsF⁶⁻, C10⁴⁻, or BF⁴⁻) with a cationof any of elements belonging to Groups 1, 2, and 12 of the periodictable (e.g., Na⁺, Li⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ or Zn^(2′)), to the interiordecorative sheet in order to further prevent the coloring duringprocessing. Especially preferred of these are sodium-perchlorate-basedcoloring inhibitors. The amount of the coloring inhibitor to be added ispreferably 0.1-1 part by weight per 100 parts by weight of thevinyl-chloride-based resin.

Other compounding agents generally added to resins may be addedaccording to need, such as stabilizers, antioxidants, ultravioletabsorbers, light stabilizers, ultraviolet-screening agents, antistaticagents, flame retardants, thickeners, surfactants, fluorescent agents,crosslinking agents, and impact modifiers.

In the case where preliminary kneading is necessary for obtaining theinterior decorative sheet, known devices in common use for thermoplasticresins can be utilized. For example, use may be made of a method inwhich the composition of the invention is evenly mixed by means of ahigh-speed stirrer, low-speed stirrer, Henschel mixer, or the like,subsequently melt-mixed by means of a batch kneading mixer, Banburymixer, Kokneader, extruder, or the like, and immediately formed. Thecomposition which has undergone melt mixing may be temporarilypelletized and thereafter formed.

The interior decorative sheet can be formed by a common sheet formingmethod. Examples thereof include melt shaping methods, such as rollprocessing, calendering, extrusion molding, and press molding, andcoating techniques. From the standpoints of speed and the thicknessaccuracy of the sheet obtained, melt shaping methods are preferred. Ofthese, calendering is preferred.

Recesses and protrusions (grain) can be formed in the upper surface ofthe surface layer of the interior decorative sheet by embossing or thelike. The formation of recesses and protrusions (grain) can widen designvariations, and an improvement in antiviral properties can be expecteddepending on the shape of the recesses and protrusions (grain).

A preferred form of fine recesses and protrusions to be formed in theupper surface of the surface layer of the interior decorative sheet hasan arithmetic average roughness Ra of 5-20 μm, more preferably 10-15 μm.A pattern made up of continuous gentle-sloping (broad) recesses andprotrusions which form delicate and complicated curves is preferable toa pattern in which independent (sharp) protrusions are scatteringlypresent, from the standpoints of antiviral property and antifoulingproperty.

The interior decorative sheet at least includes the surface layerconstituting an outermost surface, and may be constituted of a singlelayer or have a multilayer structure composed of a plurality of layers.In the case of a multilayer structure, the layers to be superposed arenot particularly limited. A poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layersimilar to the surface layer, a layer of another thermoplastic resin,any of various foamed resin layers, a design layer such as a printedlayer or colored layer, a base layer such as woven fabric or nonwovenfabric, and the like can be superposed in accordance with intended usesand required properties.

[Fifth Aspect]

It is essential that the antiviral wallpaper according to the fifthaspect of the invention should include a resin layer and a base layer,the resin layer including a resinous ingredient that includes apoly(vinyl chloride) resin for paste into which a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been incorporated beforehand, specifically, a vinylchloride resin for paste which contains a sulfonic-acid-based surfactantin an amount of 1.2% by mass or larger based on the sum of thepoly(vinyl chloride) resin for paste and the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant. Among steps for producing a wallpaper is a step in which avinyl chloride for paste is mixed with a plasticizer, filler,stabilizer, foaming agent, etc. to produce a sol. However, sincesulfonic-acid-based surfactants are insoluble in plasticizers, additionof a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant during this step arouses a problemin that the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant shows poor dispersibility inthe sol to impair the beautiful appearance of the product by causingappearance failures such as streaks.

Meanwhile, it is noted that sulfonic-acid-based surfactants arewater-soluble, and that in cases when a vinyl chloride resin for pasteis produced by emulsion polymerization or seed emulsion polymerization,a latex including water as the medium is obtained as an intermediateform of the product of polymerization. Consequently, by adding asulfonic-acid-based surfactant to this latex, the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant is satisfactorily dispersed into the vinyl chloride resin. Bythus adding a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to the latex resulting frompolymerization, a poly(vinyl chloride) resin for paste which has desiredproperties is obtained while avoiding influences on the polymerizationconditions. By using the vinyl chloride resin for paste obtained by themethod, into which a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has beenincorporated beforehand, a wallpaper can be obtained without impairingthe beautiful appearance.

The vinyl chloride resin to be used as the base of the vinyl chlorideresin for paste to be used in the invention is not particularly limited.However, a vinyl chloride resin having a degree of polymerization of,for example, 600-3,000 is suitable.

As the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant to be used in the invention, thesame sulfonic-acid-based surfactants as in the first aspect can be used.Preferred examples thereof are also the same.

The resinous ingredient to be used in the invention must contain asulfonic-acid-based surfactant in an amount of 1.2% by weight or largerbased on the sum of the poly(vinyl chloride) resin for paste and thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant. The content of the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant is preferably 1.5-49.9% by weight, more preferably 2-20% byweight. In case where the content thereof is less than 1.2% by weight,the antiviral properties are not stably exhibited. In cases when theresinous ingredient contains a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant in anamount of 1.5% by weight or larger, more stable antiviral properties areexhibited. By regulating the content thereof to 2.0% by weight or above,higher antiviral properties are obtained. In cases when the contentthereof is 20% by weight of less, the composition is excellent in termsof having more stable processability.

As the vinyl chloride resin for paste to be used in the invention, thevinyl chloride resin for paste into which a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been incorporated beforehand in an amount of 1.2% byweight or larger may be used alone. Alternatively, this vinyl chlorideresin for paste may be mixed with another vinyl chloride resin to give amixture for use as the resinous ingredient. In either case, however, theresinous ingredient must contain a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant in anamount of 1.2% by weight or larger based on the resinous ingredient,i.e., the total amount of all the vinyl chloride resin(s). The contentof the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is preferably 1.5-49.9% by weight,more preferably 2-20% by weight. In case where the content thereof isless than 1.2% by weight, the antiviral properties are not stablyexhibited.

According to need, a foaming agent may be used for the antiviralwallpaper of the invention. In this case, however, it is preferred toregulate the addition amount thereof to 0.01-5 parts by weight,preferably 0.1-4 parts by weight, more preferably 0.5-3 parts by weight,per 100 parts by weight of the resinous ingredient. By regulating theaddition amount of the foaming agent to 0.1 part by weight or larger per100 parts by weight of the resinous ingredient, a wallpaper having ahigher expansion ratio can be obtained. By regulating the additionamount thereof to 0.5 parts by weight or larger, the expansion ratio canbe further heightened. Meanwhile, it has been ascertained that in theantiviral wallpaper of the invention, the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantis present between segments of the vinyl chloride resin and the regionsoccupied by the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant enlarges as the contentthereof increases. The sulfonic-acid-based surfactant in this statereduces the adhesion of the vinyl chloride resin segments to each otherto cause a decrease in elastic modulus. In case where a decrease inelastic modulus occurs, it becomes difficult to retain the cells formedby the decomposition of the foaming agent and the cells can contract. Solong as the addition amount of the foaming agent is 5 parts by weight orless per 100 parts by weight of the resinous ingredient, the influencewhich causes the cells to contract is substantially nil or only slightand the beautiful appearance of the wallpaper is not impaired. However,when the addition amount thereof exceeds 5 parts by weight, there arecases where the contraction of the cells is enhanced and appearancefailures, e.g., discoloration, occur.

In one of preferred embodiments of the invention, substantially nofoaming agent is incorporated for the purpose of enabling the antiviralwallpaper of the invention to have required properties includingsmoothness and strength.

As the foaming agent for use in the invention, a known foaming agent canbe employed. Examples thereof include azodicarbonamide (ADCA),azobisformamide, hydroxybenzenesulfonylhydrazide, andp-toluenesulfonylhydrazide.

A topcoat layer may be disposed on a surface of the antiviral wallpaperof the invention unless the antiviral properties are lessened thereby.The topcoat layer can be disposed, for example, by applying a coatingmaterial prepared from a resin composition for topcoating. As the resinfor topcoating, use can be made of an acrylic resin, urethane resin,fluororesin, or the like. In cases when the topcoating can reduce thecoefficient of dynamic friction of the surface of the wallpaper, thewallpaper can be made to be in the fourth or higher grade in a testaccording to a regulation for the performance of surface-reinforcedwallpapers. In this case, it is preferred to regulate the coefficient ofdynamic friction, as determined through a test according to, forexample, ASTM D 1894, to 0.5 or less.

The regulation for the performance of surface-reinforced wallpapers is aregulation made by Wallcovering Wholesalers Conference and WallcoveringsAssociation with respect to the quality of surface-reinforcedwallpapers, a test method therefor, etc. Specifically, in the testmethod, a wallpaper is subjected to a scratch test and the scratchresistance is assessed by visually examining the resultant surface. Thescratch resistance is assessed in five grades; wallpapers rated as inthe fourth or higher grade are recognized as surface-reinforcedwallpapers.

In the case of disposing a topcoat layer by applying a coating agent,the coating agent is applied to the resin layer so that the topcoatlayer has fine interstices therein. Consequently, thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant contained in the resin layer can bepartly exposed in the surface and, hence, is capable of attackingviruses which have come into contact with the surface of the wallpaper.Thus, even when a topcoat layer has been disposed, the wallpaperexhibits the antiviral properties.

The antiviral wallpaper of the invention is effective, for example,against viruses having an envelope. Examples of the viruses having anenvelope include influenza viruses such as avian influenza viruses,human influenza viruses, and porcine influenza viruses, hepatitis Bvirus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, varicella-zostervirus, herpes simplex virus, human herpes virus, mumps virus, and RSvirus.

A process for producing the antiviral wallpaper of the invention ischaracterized by producing the wallpaper through: a step in which avinyl chloride resin for paste into which a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been incorporated beforehand in an amount of 1.2% byweight or larger is used to obtain a vinyl chloride resin paste sol; anda step in which the vinyl chloride resin paste sol is applied to a base.Specific examples thereof include a production process in which a vinylchloride resin for paste into which a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant hasbeen incorporated beforehand in an amount of 1.2 parts by weight orlarger is stirred together with a plasticizer, stabilizer, foamingagent, filler, etc. to produce a paste sol and this paste sol is appliedto backing paper and then solidified by drying. For the stirring andapplication, known methods can be used. Various additives such as acolorant, processing aid, antibacterial agent, fungicide, flameretardant, flameproofing agent, and defoamer may be suitably added tothe paste sol composition unless the antiviral properties are lessenedthereby.

The plasticizer is not particularly limited. Examples thereof includedi-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DOP), diisononyl phthalate, dibutylphthalate, dihexyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, butyl benzylphthalate, trioctyl phthalate, dioctyl adipate, chlorinated fatty acidesters, chlorinated paraffins, epoxidized soybean oil, and epoxidizedfatty acid esters. Two or more of these may be used in combination.

The stabilizer is not particularly limited. Examples thereof includebarium (Ba)-based stabilizers, calcium-based stabilizers, tin-basedstabilizers, zinc (Zn)-based stabilizers, and potassium-basedstabilizers. Two or more of these may be used in combination.

The filler is not particularly limited. Examples thereof include calciumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, titanium oxide, magnesium silicate, anddiatomaceous earth. Two or more of these may be used in combination.

The backing paper to be used as a base layer in the antiviral wallpaperof the invention is not particularly limited. Examples thereof includeplain pulp paper, flameproof pulp paper, calcium carbonate paper,aluminum hydroxide paper, and fleece paper.

In the antiviral wallpaper of the invention, a printed layer may bedisposed on the base layer unless the antiviral properties are lessenedthereby. For disposing the printed layer, a known method can be used.Examples thereof include gravure printing, flexographic printing, offsetprinting, and silk screen printing. Any of various surface-treatingagents may be further used for the purpose of improving theapplicability and adhesion of the printed layer or reducing gloss. Inthe case where the topcoat layer is to be disposed besides the printedlayer, it is preferred to dispose the topcoat layer over the printedlayer.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be explained below in detail by reference to

Examples, but the invention should not be construed as being limited tothe following Examples.

[First Aspect]

The compounding agents used in the Examples and the Comparative Examplesare the following substances.

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 10A-1: suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin;average degree of polymerization, 1,000

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 10A-2: suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin;average degree of polymerization, 700

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 10B-1: vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste;

average degree of polymerization, 850 (content of sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate, 5.0 wt %)

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 10B-2: vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 850 (content of sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate, 7.5 wt %)

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 10B-3: vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 850 (containing no sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate)

Plasticizer 10C-1: di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate

Stabilizer 10D-1: metal soap

Additive 10E-1: sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate

<Formation Conditions 101>

Each of the mixtures of Examples and Comparative Examples shown inTables 101 and 103 was kneaded for 3 minutes with a batch mixer set at150° C. Thereafter, the kneaded mixture was formed into a sheet having athickness of 50 μm by means of a two-roll mill set at 190° C., therebyproducing a vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet. The vinyl-chloride-basedresin sheets were evaluated for antiviral property and processability.

<Formation Conditions 102>

Each of the mixtures of Examples and Comparative Examples shown inTables 102 and 104 was kneaded for 3 minutes with a batch mixer set at150° C. Thereafter, the kneaded mixture was formed into a sheet having athickness of 200 μm by means of a two-roll mill set at 180° C., therebyproducing a vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet. The vinyl-chloride-basedresin sheets were evaluated for antiviral property and processability.

<Antiviral Property>

As a test virus, use was made of avian influenza virus A/whistlingswan/Shimane/499/83 (H5N3) strain (hereinafter referred to as H5N3strain).

The virus was multiplied in the chorioallantoic cavity of an embryonicegg and diluted with a sterilized phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH,7.2) so as to result in a concentration of 1.0×10⁶ EID₅₀/0.1 mL. Thus, avirus-containing test liquid was prepared.

Each of the vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets having a size of 5 cm×5 cmand produced in the Examples and Comparative Examples shown in Tables101 to 104 was placed on a petri dish. A 0.22-mL portion of thevirus-containing test liquid was placed on the surface of thevinyl-chloride-based resin sheet, and this sheet was covered with apolyethylene film of 4 cm×4 cm. This petri dish was lidded and allowedto stand still for 1 hour in an incubator set at 20° C. After the 1hour, the virus-containing liquid on the surface of eachvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet was collected and diluted tenfold instages. The diluted virus-containing liquid was inoculated in an amountof 0.1 mL with a syringe into the chorioallantoic cavity of an embryonicegg aged 10 days.

After the inoculation, the embryonic egg was incubated at 37° C. for 2days, and whether or not the virus had multiplied within thechorioallantoic cavity was determined by a hemagglutination test. Thevirus titer (log₁₀EID₅₀/0.1 mL) was calculated by the Reed & Muenchmethod.

As a blank, the virus-containing test liquid before the test (i.e., thevirus-containing test liquid which had not been brought into contactwith the vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet) was examined to calculate thevirus titer (log₁₀EID₅₀/0.1 mL) in the procedure described above. Theantiviral properties of each vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet wasevaluated in terms of the difference obtained by subtracting the virustiter of the virus-containing liquid which had undergone 1-hour contactwith the vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet from the virus titer of thevirus-containing liquid before the test. The larger the difference is,the higher the antiviral properties of the vinyl-chloride-based resinsheet is.

A: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 4 or larger

B: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 3 or larger but less than 4

C: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 2 or larger but less than 3

D: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is less than 2

<Processability/Sheet Formation>

Each composition was evaluated for roll processability during theformation of a vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet with the two-roll mill.

A: satisfactory

B: processable without arousing problem

C: processable although the processability is slightly poor

D: unable to be processed

<Processability/Plate-Out>

Each composition was evaluated for plate-out on the roll surfaces duringthe formation of a vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet with the two-rollmill.

A: no plate-out

B: plate-out occurred slightly

C: plate-out occurred

D: plate-out occurred on the whole roll surfaces

<Processability/Initial Discoloration>

Each vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet formed with the two-roll mill wasevaluated for initial discoloration in terms of yellowness.

Using “SM Color Computer”, manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co.,

Ltd., the yellowness of the vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet wasdetermined in accordance with JIS K 7373 (2006). The yellowness of thereference sample, in which (suspension vinyl-chloride-basedresin):(vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste)=100:0 and which containedno sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, was used as a reference to evaluatethe difference between the reference yellowness and the yellowness ofthe vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet in accordance with the followingcriteria.

Difference in yellowness=(yellowness of vinyl-chloride-based resinsheet)-(yellowness of reference sample)

A: the difference in yellowness is less than +1.0

B: the difference in yellowness is +1.0 or larger but less than +2.0

C: the difference in yellowness is +2.0 or larger but less than +3.0

D: the difference in yellowness is +3.0 or larger

<Processability, Overall Evaluation>

The processability of each composition during the sheet formationtherefrom with the two-roll mill was evaluated while taking account ofall of the sheet formation, plate-out, and initial discoloration.

A: satisfactory

B: processable without arousing problem

C: processable although the processability is slightly poor

D: unable to be processed

Examples 101 to 107

Mixtures obtained by mixing a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin witha vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste which contained 5.0% by weightsodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, as shown in Table 101, were formed bythe method described under <Formation Conditions 101> above, therebyproducing antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets for interiordecoration in which the contents of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantwere 0.5-4.2 parts by weight. The antiviral properties and theprocessability were evaluated.

Examples 108 and 109

Mixtures obtained by mixing a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin witha vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste which contained no sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate and adding thereto sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate so as to result in a content of thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant of 2.0 parts by weight were formed by themethod described under <Formation Conditions 101> above, therebyproducing antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets for interiordecoration. The antiviral sheets were evaluated. Incidentally, theExamples shown in Table 101 are rigid antiviral vinyl-chloride-basedresin sheets to which no plasticizer has been added.

10 Examples 110 to 114, 117, and 118

Mixtures obtained by mixing a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin witha vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste which contained 5.0% by weightsodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, as shown in Table 102, were formed bythe method described under <Formation Conditions 102> above, therebyproducing antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets for interiordecoration in which the contents of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantwere 1.0-4.2 parts by weight. The antiviral sheets were evaluated.

Examples 115 and 116

Mixtures obtained by mixing a suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin witha vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste which contained 7.5% by weightsodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, as shown in Table 102, were formed bythe method described under <Formation Conditions 102> above, therebyproducing antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets for interiordecoration in which the contents of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactantwere 1.0-2.1 parts by weight. The antiviral sheets were evaluated.Incidentally, the Examples shown in Table 102 are flexible antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheets to which a plasticizer has been added.

Comparative Examples 101 to 104

Antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets for interior decoration inwhich the contents of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant were 0-0.25 partsby weight and 5.0-5.3 parts by weight, as shown in Table 103, wereproduced by the method described under <Formation Conditions 101> above.The antiviral properties and the processability were evaluated.Incidentally, the Comparative Examples shown in Table 103 are rigidantiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets to which no plasticizer hasbeen added.

Comparative Examples 105 to 108

Antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets for interior decoration inwhich the contents of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant were 0-0.25 partsby weight and 5.0-5.3 parts by weight, as shown in Table 104, wereproduced by the method described under <Formation Conditions 102> above.The antiviral sheets were evaluated. Incidentally, the ComparativeExamples shown in Table 104 are flexible antiviral vinyl-chloride-basedresin sheets to which a plasticizer has been added.

TABLE 101 Example Unit 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 RecipePoly(vinyl 10A-1 parts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 chloride) 10A-2 parts 90 80 7060 50 40 20 60 50 Poly(vinyl 10B-1 parts 10 20 30 40 50 60 80 0 0chloride) 10B-2 parts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10B-3 parts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 50Plasticizer 10C-1 parts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Stabilizer 10D-1 parts 3 3 3 33 3 3 3 3 Additive 10E-1 parts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 Compo- Suspensionpoly(vinyl parts 90 81 71 61 51 41 21 60 50 sition chloride)-based resinPoly(vinyl chloride)- parts 10 19 29 39 49 59 79 40 50 based resin forpaste Content of sulfonic- parts 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.6 3.1 4.2 2.0 2.0acid-based surfactant Content of plasticizer parts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Test Antiviral property C C B B A A A B B results Process- Sheetformation A A A B B C C C C ability Plate-out A A B B C C C C C Initialdiscoloration A A B B B C C B C Overall evaluation A A A B B C C C C ofprocessability

TABLE 102 Example Unit 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 RecipePoly(vinyl 10A-1 parts 80 70 60 40 20 87 73 60 40 chloride) 10A-2 parts0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Poly(vinyl 10B-1 parts 20 30 40 60 80 0 0 40 60chloride) 10B-2 parts 0 0 0 0 0 13 27 0 0 10B-3 parts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Plasticizer 10C-1 parts 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 25 25 Stabilizer 10D-1parts 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Additive 10E-1 parts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Compo-Suspension poly(vinyl parts 81 71 61 41 21 88 75 61 41 sitionchloride)-based resin Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 19 29 39 59 79 12 2539 59 based resin for paste Content of sulfonic- parts 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.14.2 1.0 2.1 2.0 3.1 acid-based surfactant Content of plasticizer parts30 30 31 31 31 30 31 26 26 Test Antiviral property C B A A A C A A Aresults Process- Sheet formation A B B C C B B B C ability Plate-out A BC C C B C C C Initial discoloration A A B B C A B B C Overall evaluationA B B C C B B B C of processability

TABLE 103 Comparative Example Unit 101 102 103 104 Recipe Poly(vinyl10A-1 parts 0 0 0 0 chloride) 10A-2 parts 100 95 5 0 Poly(vinyl 10B-1parts 0 5 95 100 chloride) 10B-2 parts 0 0 0 0 10B-3 parts 0 0 0 0Plasticizer 10C-1 parts 0 0 0 0 Stabilizer 10D-1 parts 3 3 3 3 Additive10E-1 parts 0 0 0 0 Compo- Suspension poly(vinyl parts 100 95 5 0 sitionchloride)-based resin Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 0 5 95 100 based resinfor paste Content of sulfonic- parts 0 0.25 5.0 5.3 acid-basedsurfactant Content of plasticizer parts 0 0 0 0 Test Antiviral propertyD D N.D. N.D. results Process- Sheet formation A A D D ability Plate-outA A D D Initial discoloration A A D N.D. Overall evaluation A A D D ofprocessability

TABLE 104 Comparative Example Unit 105 106 107 108 Recipe Poly(vinyl10A-1 parts 100 95 5 0 chloride) 10A-2 parts 0 0 0 0 Poly(vinyl 10B-1parts 0 5 95 100 chloride) 10B-2 parts 0 0 0 0 10B-3 parts 0 0 0 0Plasticizer 10C-1 parts 30 30 30 30 Stabilizer 10D-1 parts 3 3 3 3Additive 10E-1 parts 0 0 0 0 Makeup Suspension poly(vinyl parts 100 95 50 chloride)-based resin Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 0 5 95 100 basedresin for paste Content of sulfonic- parts 0 0.25 5.0 5.3 acid-basedsurfactant Content of plasticizer parts 30 30 31 32 Test Antiviralproperty D D A N.D. results Process- Sheet formation A A C D abilityPlate-out A A D D Initial discoloration A A C N.D. Overall evaluation AA D D of processability

In the rigid antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets shown in Table101, effective antiviral properties are obtained when the content of thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant is 0.5 parts by weight or higher (Example101 and Comparative Example 102). More desirable antiviral propertiesare obtained when the content thereof is 1.5 parts by weight or higher,and even more desirable antiviral properties are obtained when thecontent thereof is 2.5 parts by weight or higher (Examples 103 and 105).

Meanwhile, the composition in which the proportion of thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste exceeds 90 parts by weight and theproportion of the suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin is less than 10parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the poly(vinylchloride)-based resin, cannot be formed into a sheet (ComparativeExample 103).

In the flexible antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets shown inTable 102, there is a tendency similar to that of the rigid antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheets. Namely, high antiviral properties areobtained when the content of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is 2.0parts by weight or higher (Example 112). Furthermore, as in the case ofthe rigid antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets, the compositionin which the proportion of the vinyl-chloride-based resin for pasteexceeds 90 parts by weight and the proportion of the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin is less than 10 parts by weight cannot beformed into a sheet (Comparative Example 107).

A comparison in antiviral property between rigid antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheets (Table 101) and flexible antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheets (Table 102) shows that when thecontent of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is 2.0 parts by weight,the flexible antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet (Example 112)has higher antiviral properties than the rigid antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet (Example 104). Consequently, flexibleantiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheets are more apt to produce anantiviral effect.

In Table 101, compositions which are equal in the content of asulfonic-acid-based surfactant are compared. Specifically, a comparisonbetween Example 104, in which a PVC (poly(vinyl chloride)) resin intowhich a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant had been incorporated beforehandwas used, and Example 108, in which a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant wasadded during sheet formation, shows that the two sheets are equal inantiviral property. However, the Example in which a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant had been incorporated beforehand into thevinyl-chloride-based resin for paste was superior in the evaluation ofsheet formation and plate-out. Consequently, use of avinyl-chloride-based resin for paste into which a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been incorporated beforehand brings about betterprocessability. As described above, use of a vinyl-chloride-based resinfor paste to which a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant was added duringproduction of the vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste brings aboutexcellent processability and excellent antiviral properties.

Examples 108 and 109 are Examples in which a vinyl-chloride-based resinfor paste to which no sulfonic-acid-based surfactant had been addedduring production thereof was mixed with a suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin in different ratios. In these Examples, asulfonic-acid-based surfactant was added during sheet formation. Acomparison between Examples 108 and 109 shows that the antiviralproperties do not depend on the proportion of the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin. However, the comparison shows that theExample in which the proportion of the suspension vinyl-chloride-basedresin is higher has a smaller difference in yellowness and hence betterunsusceptibility to initial discoloration.

[Second Aspect]

The compounding agents used in the Examples and the Comparative Examplesare the following substances.

Poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin 20A-1: suspension poly(vinylchloride)-based resin; average degree of polymerization, 1,000

Poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin 20B-1: poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinfor paste; average degree of polymerization, 850 (content of sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate, 5.0 wt %)

Poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin 20B-2: poly(vinyl chloride)-based resinfor paste; average degree of polymerization, 850 (content of sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate, 10.0 wt %)

Sulfonic-acid-based surfactant 20C-1: sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate;purity, 90%

(trade name, NANSA (registered trademark) HS90/S, manufactured byHuntsman Japan K.K.)

Plasticizer 20D-1: di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate

Stabilizer 20E-1: Ba—Zn-based metal soap

Stabilizer 20E-2: Ba—Zn-based metal soap

Stabilizer 20E-3: epoxidized soybean oil

Viscosity-lowering agent 20E-1: fatty-acid-ester-based surfactant

Filler 20G-1: lightweight calcium carbonate (treated with fatty acid);specific-surface-area diameter, 1.5 p.m (calculated from BET specificsurface area)

<Formation Conditions 201>

Each of the mixtures of the Examples shown in Table 201 and theComparative Examples shown in Table 202 was kneaded for 3 minutes with abatch mixer set at 150° C. Thereafter, the kneaded mixture was formedinto a sheet having a thickness of 350 μm by means of a two-roll millset to a temperature of 180° C., thereby producing an interiordecorative sheet.

<Formation Conditions 202>

The mixture of Comparative Example 206 shown in Table 202 was mixed anddefoamed under vacuum to produce a vinyl-chloride-based sol composition.This vinyl-chloride-based sol composition was applied with a bar coaterto a fabric-backed flexible PVC (poly(vinyl chloride)) sheet as a baseto thereby form a resin layer on the base. Next, the sol compositionapplied was dried in a 205° C. oven for 5 minutes to solidify the resinlayer, thereby producing an interior decorative sheet.

<Antiviral Property>

A virus-containing test liquid was prepared in the same manner as in[First Aspect], and the virus titer was calculated. The antiviralproperties were evaluated in accordance with the following.

A: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 4 or larger

B: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 2 or larger but less than 4

C: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 25 1 hour) is less than 2

<Handleability>

The mixtures of Examples and Comparative Examples shown in Table 201 andTable 202 each were evaluated for handleability during the mixingthereof

(Evaluation Criteria)

A: no particular problem.

B: the mixture becomes sol with the lapse of time but arouses no problemconcerning handling.

C: the mixture is prone to become sol and has poor handleability.

<Processability>

Each mixture was evaluated for roll processability during the formationof an interior decorative sheet therefrom with the two-roll mill.

(Evaluation Criteria)

A: the mixture can be processed without arousing problem.

B: the mixture becomes prone to stick to the rolls, but the processingis possible.

C: the mixture sticks to the rolls and the processing is impossible.

<Coloring Due to Processing>

Coloring due to processing was evaluated by visually examining theyellowness of each of the interior decorative poly(vinyl chloride) resinsheets produced in the Examples and Comparative Examples shown in Table201 and Table 202.

(Evaluation Criteria)

A: no yellowness.

B: slight yellowness is seen but is not problematic in practical use.

C: yellowness is noticeable to considerably affect the appearance.

<Water Blushing>

Each of the interior decorative sheets having a size of 10 cm×10 cm andproduced in the Examples and Comparative Examples shown in Table 201 andTable 202 was placed on a petri dish. A sponge having a size of 3 cm×3cm×3 cm and impregnated with distilled water was placed on the surfaceof the interior decorative poly(vinyl chloride) resin sheet. This petridish was lidded and allowed to stand still in an environment of 20° C.and 65% RH for 24 hours. Thereafter, the sponge and the water wereremoved, and the interior decorative sheet was allowed to stand stillfor 24 hours and then visually evaluated for blushing.

(Evaluation Criteria)

A: the sheet has not blushed or has blushed to an unnoticeable degree.

B: the sheet has blushed slightly but the blushing is not problematic inpractical use.

C: blushing is noticeable to considerably affect the appearance.

TABLE 201 Example Unit 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 Recipe Suspension20A-1 parts 60 60 10 85 60 40 60 poly(vinyl chloride) Poly(vinyl 20B-1parts 42.1 42.1 15.8 63.2 42.1 chloride) 20B-2 parts 100 44.4 for pasteSulfonic- 20C-1 parts acid-based surfactant Plasticizer 20D-1 parts 3550 10 90 32 70 50 Stabilizer 20E-1 parts 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 20E-2 parts 20E-3parts 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Viscosity- 20F-1 parts lowering agent Filler 20G-1parts 30 Makeup Suspension poly(vinyl parts 60 60 10 85 60 40 60chloride)-based resin Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 40 40 90 15 40 60 40based resin for paste Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 100 100 100 100 100100 100 based resin Sulfuric-acid-based parts 2.1 2.1 10.0 0.8 4.4 3.22.1 surfactant Plasticizer parts 35 50 10 90 32 70 50 Test Antiviralproperty B A A B A A A results Handleability A B A B A B A Rollprocessability A A B B A A A Coloring due to processing A A B A A B ABlushing A A B A A B A Formation method roll- roll- roll- roll- roll-roll- roll- ing ing ing ing ing ing ing

TABLE 202 Comparative Example Unit 201 202 203 204 205 206 RecipeSuspension 20A-1 parts 100 100 60 60 poly(vinyl chloride) Poly(vinyl20B-1 parts 105.3 42.1 42.1 105.3 chloride) 20B-2 parts for pasteSulfonic- 20C-1 parts 2.2 acid-based surfactant Plasticizer 20D-1 parts35 35 35 5 120 35 Stabilizer 20E-1 parts 3 3 3 3 3 20E-2 parts 3 20E-3parts 4 4 4 4 4 Viscosity- 20F-1 parts 7 lowering agent Filler 20G-1parts Compo- Suspension poly(vinyl parts 100 0 100 60 60 0 sitionchloride)-based resin Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 0 100 0 40 40 100based resin for paste Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 100 100 100 100 100100 based resin Sulfuric-acid-based parts 0 5.3 2.0 2.1 2.1 5.3surfactant Plasticizer parts 35 35 35 5 120 35 Test Antiviral property CA B B A A results Handleability A C A A C — Roll processability A A A CC — Coloring due to processing A B C C A A Blushing A B A A B CFormation method roll- roll- roll- roll- roll- paste ing ing ing ing ingapplica- tion

It can be seen from a comparison between Examples 201 to 206, which areshown in Table 201, and Comparative Example 201, which is shown in Table202, that the inclusion of a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has impartedantiviral properties. From a comparison between Example 201 and Example202, it can be seen that in cases when the addition amount of thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant is the same, the antiviral properties areenhanced by increasing the addition amount of the plasticizer.

A comparison between Example 201 and Comparative Example 202 shows thatby blending a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste with asuspension poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin in a proportion within therange according to the invention, excellent handleability is obtained incases when the addition amount of the plasticizer is the same.

It can be seen from a comparison between Example 201 and ComparativeExample 203 that excellent unsusceptibility to coloring due toprocessing is obtained by using a poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin forpaste to which a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has been addedbeforehand, without using a method in which the sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant is directly added.

A comparison between Example 201 and Comparative Examples 204 and 205shows that the composition is rendered excellent in terms ofhandleability, roll processability, and unsusceptibility to coloring dueto processing, by regulating the addition amount of the plasticizer soas to be in the range according to the invention.

It can be seen from a comparison between Example 201 and ComparativeExample 206 that excellent resistance to water blushing is obtained byperforming not paste application but roll processing which is a meltforming technique.

It can be seen from Example 202 and Comparative Example 207 thathandleability is improved by adding a filler.

Meanwhile, interior decorative sheets to each of which a back layer hadbeen laminated were produced, although not shown in the tables. The backlayer was obtained in the following manner

A hundred parts by weight of suspension poly(vinyl chloride) resin 20A-1was kneaded together with 55 parts by weight of plasticizer 20D-1, 200parts by weight of filler 20G-1, 3 parts by weight of stabilizer 20E-1,and 4 parts by weight of stabilizer 20E-3 for 3 minutes by means of abatch mixer set at 150° C. Thereafter, the kneaded mixture was formedinto a sheet having a thickness of about 1.65 mm by means of a two-rollmill set at 180° C. The back layer thus obtained was thermally laminatedto each of the surface layers of Examples 201 to 207, thereby obtaininginterior decorative sheets for flooring material, each of which wascomposed of the surface layer and the back layer laminated thereto.These interior decorative sheets for flooring material each had athickness of about 2 mm. These interior decorative sheets for flooringmaterial were tested, and gave results which were similar to those shownin Table 201.

[Third Aspect]

The compounding agents used in the Examples and the Comparative Examplesare the following substances.

Poly(vinyl chloride) 30A-1: poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 4,500 (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate,10.0 wt %)

Poly(vinyl chloride) 30A-2: poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 4,500 (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate,1.0 wt %)

Poly(vinyl chloride) 30A-3: poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 850 (sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate,5.0 wt %)

Poly(vinyl chloride) 30a-1: poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 4,500

Sulfonic-acid-based surfactant 30B-1: sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate;purity, 90%; (trade name, NANSA (registered trademark) HS90/S,manufactured by Huntsman Japan K.K.)

Plasticizer 30C-1: di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate

Stabilizer 30D-1: Ba—Zn-based metal soap

Stabilizer 30D-2: epoxidized soybean oil

Viscosity-lowering agent 30E-1: fatty-acid-ester-based surfactant

Each of the mixtures of Examples and Comparative Examples shown in Table301 was mixed and defoamed under vacuum to produce a poly(vinylchloride)-based sol composition. This poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition was applied with a bar coater to a fabric-backed flexiblePVC (poly(vinyl chloride)) sheet as a base to thereby form a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin layer on the base. Next, the sol compositionapplied was dried in a 205° C. oven for 5 minutes to solidify thepoly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer, thereby obtaining an interiordecorative poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin sheet.

<Defoamability>

A 40-g portion of each of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcompositions obtained through mixing in the Examples and ComparativeExamples shown in Table 301 was placed in a 1-L cup and defoamed undervacuum. In this operation, the foam height which was the maximum heightof the elevated sol surface level and the foam breaking period which wasthe period required for the sol to come to generate no foam weremeasured, and the defoamability was evaluated in terms of the foamheight and the foam breaking period. For the evaluation, ComparativeExample 301 was used as a reference.

A: both the foam height and the foam breaking period are substantiallythe same as in Comparative Example 301.

B: the foam height is slightly larger and the foam breaking period issomewhat longer than in Comparative Example 301.

C: the foam height is far larger and the foam breaking period is longerthan in Comparative Example 301.

<Applicability>

The poly(vinyl chloride)-based sol compositions produced in the Examplesand Comparative Examples shown in Table 301 were each applied to a basewith a bar coater, and the applicability thereof during this applicationwas evaluated.

A: the sol composition can be applied without arousing any problem.

B: slight unevenness in application is seen but is not problematic inpractical use.

C: the sol composition is difficult to apply with bar coater.

<Appearance>

The appearance of each of the interior decorative poly(vinylchloride)-based resin sheets produced in the Examples and ComparativeExamples shown in Table 301 was evaluated.

A: the appearance is satisfactory.

B: slight unevenness in application is seen but is not problematic inpractical use.

C: there are considerable unevenness in application and many residualcells, resulting in poor appearance.

<Antiviral Property>

A virus-containing test liquid was prepared in the same manner as in[First Aspect], and the virus titer was calculated. The antiviralproperties were evaluated in accordance with the following.

A: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 4 or larger

B: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 2 or larger but less than 4

C: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is less than 2

<Antifouling Property>

Six standard rubber blocks were introduced into a Snell capsule testerdescribed in JIS K 3920 (2009), and each sheet was set therein so thatthe surface layer came into contact with the rubber blocks. This testerwas subjected to 5 cycles of rotation, each cycle being composed of5-minute normal rotation and 5-minute reverse rotation each at arotation speed of 50 rpm. Thereafter, the sheet was taken out and thedegree of adhesion of a heel mark was examined to evaluate the fouling.Furthermore, the fouled surface was wiped with a dry cloth, and thecleanability was evaluated in terms of the degree of the residualadhesion of the heel mark. The antifouling properties were evaluated interms of both the fouling and the cleanability.

Fouling

A: substantially no adhesion (only slight adhesion is observed)

B: adhesion occurred

C: considerable adhesion occurred

Cleanability

A: fouling substances are removable (after cleaning, the fouling is notnoticeable)

B: fouling substances are partly difficult to remove (after cleaning,noticeable fouling remains)

C: fouling substances are mostly difficult to remove

<Blushing>

Each of the interior decorative poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin sheetshaving a size of 10 cm×10 cm and produced in the Examples andComparative Examples shown in Table 301 was placed on a petri dish. Asponge having a size of 3 cm×3 cm×3 cm and impregnated with distilledwater was placed on the surface of the interior decorative poly(vinylchloride)-based sheet. This petri dish was lidded and allowed to standstill in an environment of 20° C. and 65% RH for 24 hours. Thereafter,the sponge and the water were removed, and the interior decorative sheetwas allowed to stand still for 24 hours and then examined for ΔE* using“SM Color Computer”, manufactured by Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd. Thelarger the value of AE* is, the severer the blushing is.

TABLE 301 Example Unit 301 302 303 304 305 306 Recipe Poly(vinyl 30A-1parts 5 20 65 30 chloride) 30A-2 parts 100 30A-3 parts 100 30a-1 parts95 80 35 70 Sulfonic- 30B-1 parts acid-based surfactant Plasticizer30C-1 parts 36 30 20 12 65 80 Stabilizer 30D-1 parts 3 3 3 3 3 3 30D-2parts 3 3 3 3 3 3 Viscosity- 30E-1 parts 7 10 15 20 5 3 lowering agentCompo- Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 100 100 100 100 100 100 sition basedresin for paste Sulfonic-acid-based parts 0.5 2.0 1.0 5.3 7.0 3.1surfactant Plasticizer parts 36 31 20 13 70 82 Test Defoamability A A AB B A results Applicability A A A B A A Appearance A A A B B B Antiviralproperty B A A A A A Antifouling Fouling A A A A B B propertyCleanability A A A A B B ΔE* (blushing) 1.6 3 1.7 5.5 3.5 ComparativeExample Unit 301 302 303 304 305 Recipe Poly(vinyl 30A-1 parts 100 20chloride) 30A-2 parts 30A-3 parts 100 30a-1 parts 100 80 100 Sulfonic-30B-1 parts 2 acid-based surfactant Plasticizer 30C-1 parts 36 32 8 12036 Stabilizer 30D-1 parts 3 3 3 3 3 30D-2 parts 3 3 3 3 3 Viscosity-30E-1 parts 7 10 20 5 7 lowering agent Compo- Poly(vinyl chloride)-parts 100 100 100 100 100 sition based resin for pasteSulfonic-acid-based parts 0.0 11.1 5.3 2.0 1.8 surfactant Plasticizerparts 36 36 8 122 36 Test Defoamability A C B B A results ApplicabilityA B C B C Appearance A C C C C Antiviral property C A A A B AntifoulingFouling A C A C A property Cleanability A C A C B ΔE* (blushing) 1.2 5.63

It can be seen from a comparison between Examples 301 to 305 andComparative Example 301 that the inclusion of a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has imparted antiviral properties.

From a comparison between Example 302 and Comparative Example 302, itcan be seen that excellent properties in terms of defoamability,appearance, and antifouling property are obtained by regulating thecontent of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant so as to be within therange according to the invention.

A comparison between Examples 304 to 306 and Comparative Examples 303and 304 shows that excellent paste applicability and an excellentappearance are obtained by regulating the addition amount of theplasticizer so as to be within the range according to the invention.

It can be seen from a comparison between Example 303 and ComparativeExample 305 that excellent properties in terms of applicability,appearance, and antiviral property are obtained by using a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste into which a sulfonic-acid-basedsurfactant has been incorporated beforehand.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the lower the content of thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant, the less the blushing.

[Fourth Aspect]

The compounding agents used in the Examples and the Comparative Examplesare the following substances.

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 40A-1: suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin;average degree of polymerization, 1,000

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 40A-2: suspension vinyl-chloride-based resin;average degree of polymerization, 1,300

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 40A-3: vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 850 (content of sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate, 3.0 wt %)

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 40A-4: vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 850 (content of sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate, 5.0 wt %)

Vinyl-chloride-based resin 40A-5: vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste;average degree of polymerization, 850 (content of sodiumdodecylbenzenesulfonate, 7.5 wt %)

Sulfonic-acid-based surfactant 40B-1: sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate;purity, 90%

Plasticizer 40C-1: di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate

Silicone-based copolymer 40D-1: silicone/acrylic graft copolymer(acrylic resin chains have been disposed as side chains of silicone)silicone content, 70%

Silicone-based copolymer 40D-2: graft copolymer based onsilicone/acrylic composite rubber

Filler 40E-1: lightweight calcium carbonate (treated with fatty acid);specific-surface-area diameter, 1.5 p.m (calculated from BET specificsurface area)

Processing aid 40E-1: acrylic polymeric processing aid

Stabilizer 40G-1: Ba—Zn-based metal soap

Coloring inhibitor 40H-1: sodium perchlorate

Each of the mixtures of Examples and Comparative Examples shown inTables 401 to 404 was kneaded for 5 minutes with a batch mixer set at150° C. Thereafter, the kneaded mixture was formed into a sheet having athickness of 0.35 mm by means of a two-roll mill set at 180° C. andsubsequently laminated to a back layer constituted of a flexiblevinyl-chloride-based sheet having a thickness of 1.7 mm, therebyproducing an interior decorative sheet. The interior decorative sheetswere each evaluated for antiviral property, antifouling property, andprocessability. Furthermore, the yellowness of the surface layer wasmeasured.

In each of the Examples shown in Table 405, the mixture of Example 405was kneaded for 5 minutes with a batch mixer set at 150° C., thereafterformed into a sheet having a thickness of 0.35 mm by means of a two-rollmill set at 180° C., and then laminated to a back layer constituted of aflexible vinyl-chloride-based sheet having a thickness of 1.7 mm,thereby producing an interior decorative sheet. Finally, the interiordecorative sheet was embossed with a press forming machine to form finerecesses and protrusions in the surface. The surface roughness of thesurface layer in which the fine recesses and protrusions had been formedwas determined by the method described above. These interior decorativesheets were evaluated for antiviral property and antifouling property.

<Antiviral Property>

A virus-containing test liquid was prepared in the same manner as in[First Aspect], and the virus titer was calculated. The antiviralproperties were evaluated in accordance with the following.

A: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 4 or larger

B: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 3 or larger but less than 4

C: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is 2 or larger but less than 3

D: the difference between the virus titer (before test) and the virustiter (after 1 hour) is less than 2

<Antifouling Property>

Six standard rubber blocks were introduced into a Snell capsule testerdescribed in JIS K 3920 (2009), and each sheet was set therein so thatthe surface layer came into contact with the rubber blocks. This testerwas subjected to 5 cycles of rotation, each cycle being composed of5-minute normal rotation and 5-minute reverse rotation each at arotation speed of 50 rpm. Thereafter, the sheet was taken out and thedegree of adhesion of a heel mark was examined to evaluate the fouling.Furthermore, the fouled surface was wiped with a dry cloth, and thecleanability was evaluated in terms of the degree of the residualadhesion of the heel mark. The antifouling properties were evaluated interms of both the fouling and the cleanability.

Fouling

A: substantially no adhesion (only slight adhesion is observed)

B: adhesion occurred

C: considerable adhesion occurred

Cleanability

A: fouling substances are removable (after cleaning, the fouling is notnoticeable)

B: fouling substances are partly difficult to remove (after cleaning,noticeable fouling remains)

C: fouling substances are mostly difficult to remove

<Processability>

Each composition was evaluated for roll processability during the sheetformation therefrom with the two-roll mill at 180° C.

A: satisfactory

B: processable without arousing problem

C: processable although the processability is slightly poor

D: unable to be processed

<Yellowness>

The yellowness was determined using “SM Color Computer”, manufactured bySuga Test Instruments Co., Ltd., in accordance with JIS K 7373 (2006).

<Surface Roughness of Surface Layer>

The surface roughness of the surface layer was determined using “SurfaceRoughness/Shape Analyzer” manufactured by Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd., inaccordance with JIS B 0601 (2001).

TABLE 401 Example Unit 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 Recipe Vinyl-40A-1 parts 100 100 100 100 100 66 34 chloride- 40A-2 parts based resin40A-3 parts 34 66 100 40A-4 parts 40A-5 parts Sulfonic- 40B-1 parts 2.33.5 3.5 3.5 5.9 acid-based surfactant Plasticizer 40C-1 parts 32 32 3232 32 32 32 32 Silicone-based 40D-1 parts 3 5 10 10 10 10 10 copolymer40D-2 parts 10 Filler 40E-1 parts 10 30 Processing aid 40F-1 parts 4 4 44 4 4 4 4 Stabilizer 40G-1 parts 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Coloring 40H-1 partsinhibitor Compo- Suspension poly(vinyl parts 100 100 100 100 100 67 35 0sition chloride)-based resin Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 0 0 0 0 0 33 65100 based resin for paste Content of sulfonic- parts 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 5.31.0 2.0 3.1 acid-based surfactant Content of plasticizer parts 32 32 3232 32 32 33 33 Content of silicone- parts 3 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 basedcopolymer Test Antiviral property C B B B A C B A results AntifoulingFouling B B A B B A A A property Cleanability A A A A B A A AProcessability B C C B C B C C Yellowness 10 27 27 27 54 3 4 10

TABLE 402 Example Unit 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 Recipe Vinyl-40A-1 parts 80 60 40 60 60 60 60 60 chloride- 40A-2 parts based resin40A-3 parts 40A-4 parts 20 40 60 40 40 40 40 40 40A-5 parts Sulfonic-40B-1 parts acid-based surfactant Plasticizer 40C-1 parts 32 32 32 32 3214 40 32 Silicone-based 40D-1 parts 5 5 5 5 10 5 5 10 copolymer 40D-2parts Filler 40E-1 parts 10 Processing aid 40F-1 parts 4 4 4 4 4 3 4Stabilizer 40G-1 parts 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Coloring 40H-1 parts inhibitorCompo- Suspension poly(vinyl parts 81 61 41 61 61 61 61 61 sitionchloride)-based resin Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 19 39 59 39 39 39 3939 based resin for paste Content of sulfonic- parts 1.0 2.0 3.1 2.0 2.02.0 2.0 2.0 acid-based surfactant Content of plasticizer parts 32 33 3333 33 14 41 33 Content of silicone- parts 5 5 5 5 10 5 5 10 basedcopolymer Test Antiviral property C B A B B C B B results AntifoulingFouling A A B A A A B A property Cleanability A A A A A A B AProcessability A A C C C C A A Yellowness 3 4 6 4 5 9 3 4

TABLE 403 Example Unit 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 Recipe Vinyl-40A-1 parts 73 60 73 50 chloride- 40A-2 parts 50 50 50 based resin 40A-3parts 40A-4 parts 50 50 50 50 40A-5 parts 27 40 27 100 Sulfonic- 40B-1parts acid-based surfactant Plasticizer 40C-1 parts 29 29 40 30 32 32 3232 Silicone-based 40D-1 parts 5 5 10 20 10 10 10 10 copolymer 40D-2parts Filler 40E-1 parts 30 5 10 10 20 20 Processing aid 40F-1 parts 4 44 4 4 4 4 4 Stabilizer 40G-1 parts 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Coloring 40H-1 parts0.2 inhibitor Compo- Suspension poly(vinyl parts 75 62 75 0 51 51 51 51sition chloride)-based resin Poly(vinyl chloride)- parts 25 38 25 100 4949 49 49 based resin for paste Content of sulfonic- parts 2.1 3.1 2.18.1 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6 acid-based surfactant Content of plasticizer parts30 30 41 32 33 33 33 33 Content of silicone- parts 5 5 10 22 10 10 10 10based copolymer Test Antiviral property B A A A A A A A resultsAntifouling Fouling A B B B A A A B property Cleanability A A B A B A AB Processability B B B C C C B B Yellowness 5 7 6 13 6 6 5 4

TABLE 404 Comparative Example Unit 401 402 403 404 405 406 Recipe Vinyl-40A-1 parts 100 60 60 60 60 100 chloride- 40A-2 parts based resin 40A-3parts 40 40 40 40 40A-4 parts 40A-5 parts Sulfonic- 40B-1 parts 12acid-based surfactant Plasticizer 40C-1 parts 32 4 54 54 34 40Silicone-based 40D-1 parts 3 10 20 5 5 copolymer 40D-2 parts Filler40E-1 parts 100 Processing aid 40F-1 parts 3 4 5 5 3 Stabilizer 40G-1parts 3 3 3 3 3 3 Coloring 40H-1 parts inhibitor Compo- Suspensionpoly(vinyl parts 100 61 61 61 61 100 sition chloride)-based resinPoly(vinyl chloride)- parts 0 39 39 39 39 0 based resin for pasteContent of sulfonic- parts 0 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 10.8 acid-based surfactantContent of plasticizer parts 32 4 55 55 34 40 Content of silicone- parts3 10 0 20 5 5 based copolymer Test Antiviral property D — B B B —results Antifouling Fouling B — C B C — property Cleanability A — C C C— Processability B D C C C D Yellowness 2 5 4 4

TABLE 405 Example 425 426 427 428 Shape of grain flat sharp broad broadArithmetic average roughness 0.3 1.5 5.5 12.5 of surface layer Ra (μm)Antiviral property B B A A Antifouling Fouling A B B A propertyCleanability A B B A

As apparent from Tables 401 to 404, it can be seen that the addition ofa sulfonic-acid-based surfactant has imparted antiviral properties andthe addition of a silicone-based copolymer has improved the antifoulingproperties. Furthermore, from a comparison between Example 421 andExample 422, it can be seen that Example 422, in which the suspensionvinyl-chloride-based resin has a higher degree of polymerization, ismore effective in diminishing the decrease in antifouling property dueto the increase in the content of the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant. Acomparison between Example 402 and Example 411 shows that the sheetproduced using a vinyl-chloride-based resin for paste which contained asulfonic-acid-based surfactant not only has a lower yellowness, i.e.,has undergone less coloring, but also exhibits higher antiviralproperties. A comparison between Example 413 and Example 416 shows thatthe addition of a filler has enhanced processability.

Table 405 shows that an improvement in antiviral property was attainedby changing the shape of the surface.

[Fifth Aspect]

The following materials were used in the Examples and the ComparativeExamples.

Vinyl chloride resin .alpha. for paste (containing 5.0 wt % DBS)

Vinyl chloride resin .beta. for paste (containing 2.5 wt % DBS)

Vinyl chloride resin .gamma. for paste (containing 1.0 wt % DBS)

Vinyl chloride resin .delta. for paste (containing 10 wt % DBS)

DOP (plasticizer)

Ba—Zn-based stabilizer

ADCA (foaming agent)

Calcium carbonate (filler)

DBS (undiluted powder form)

In Example 501, vinyl chloride resin a for paste, into which 5.0% byweight sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS) had been incorporatedbeforehand as a sulfonic-acid-based surfactant, was mixed with vinylchloride resin .gamma. for paste, into which 1.0% by weight DBS had beenincorporated beforehand, a plasticizer (DOP), a stabilizer, a foamingagent (ADCA), a filler (calcium carbonate), a diluent, and a pigment inthe respective amounts shown in Table 501, thereby producing a pastesol. This paste sol was applied to backing paper as a base layer with apaste coater to thereby form a resin layer on the base layer. Thus, awallpaper base was obtained. Thereafter, this wallpaper base wassubjected to mechanical embossing while being foamed at 210° C. Thus, aspecimen was obtained.

Details of Examples 502 to 509 and Comparative Examples 501 and 502 areas shown in Table 501. These specimens were produced in accordance withthe method used in Example 501. In Examples 505 and 506, a topcoat layerwas formed with a gravure printing machine after gelation, and thissheet was subjected to drying at 120° C. and then to mechanicalembossing.

[Evaluation of Wallpaper Appearance]

The appearance of each wallpaper obtained was visually evaluated.

A: the surface has no surface defects and retains beautiful appearance.

B: there is surface ruggedness, although it is on a permissible level.

C: there are noticeable surface defects, e.g., streaks.

[Evaluation of Antiviral Property]

A virus-containing test liquid was prepared in the same manner as in[First Aspect], and the virus titer was calculated.

The difference between “virus titer (after 1 hour)” and “virus titer(before test)” indicates the degree of antiviral properties. The largerthe difference, the higher the antiviral properties.

[Evaluation of Surface Strength]

The surface strength was evaluated through a test according to aregulation for the performance of surface-reinforced wallpapers(prescribed in the year 2004; revised in the year 2009; edition 3-2)prescribed by Japan Wallcoverings Association. Three test pieces havinga size of 30 mm×250 mm were cut out of each specimen and used. As themain body of a testing device was used a rubbing tester type II providedfor in JIS L0849. As a rubber was used a claw and holder prescribed forin the regulation for the performance of surface-reinforced wallpapers.The load on the rubber was 1.96 N, and the material of the claw used wasSUS402-J2. The tip of the claw had dimensions of 4.0 mm (width)×2.0 mm(thickness), and the edges of the tip had R dimensions of 0.10 mm forthe start side and 0.15 mm for the return side. Each test piece wasfixed to the test piece table of the tester so that the test piece wasparallel with the reciprocating direction of the rubber. The rubber wasplaced on the test piece and reciprocated five times over a travelingdistance of 120 mm at a frequency of 30 reciprocations per minute.Thereafter, the test piece was detached from the test piece table andvisually examined for the degree of surface scratches. The results werecompared with the following criteria. Specimens in the fourth or highergrade are deemed to have surface strength.

Fifth grade: at a glance, especially no change is observed.

Fourth grade: surface scratches are slightly observed, but no relativelylarge break or the like was observed in the surface layer.

Third grade: a break in the surface layer is clearly observed.

Second grade: a break in the surface occurred and the backing material,e.g., paper, is clearly seen therethrough (length, less than 1 cm).

First grade: a break in the surface occurred and the backing material,e.g., paper, is clearly seen therethrough (length, 1 cm or larger).

TABLE 501 Comparative Example Example 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508509 501 502 Vinyl chloride α for paste 5 25 25 25 50 25 100 (DBS, 5.0 wt%) Vinyl chloride β for paste 100 (DBS, 2.5 wt %) Vinyl chloride γ forpaste 95 75 75 75 50 75 100 100 (DBS, 1.0 wt %) Vinyl chloride δ forpaste 100 (DBS, 10 wt %) DOP (plasticizer) 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 6060 Ba—Zn-based stabilizer 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5ADCA (foaming agent) 2.5 2.5 2.5 5 2.5 2.5 0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Calciumcarbonate (filler) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Diluent 99 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Pigment 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 DBS(undiluted) 1.5 Topcoat — — — — present present — — — — — Content of DBSbased on 1.2 2.0 2.5 2.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 5.0 10.0 1.0 2.5 vinyl chlorideresin. wt % Wallpaper appearance A A A B A A A A A A C Index to before6.3 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.0 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.3 6.3 antiviral virus testproperty after 1-hour 2.3 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 1.8 <0.8 <0.5 <0.5 <0.5 3.8<0.5 (virus titer: contact log₁₀EID₅₀/0.1 mL) with virus Surfacestrength third third third first fourth fourth third third third thirdfirst grade grade grade grade grade grade grade grade grade grade grade

[Evaluation Results]

Examples 501 to 506 reduced the virus titer form the value for “beforecontact with virus” to the value for “after 1-hour contact with virus”by at least 4.0 (i.e., to about 10⁻⁴0=1/10,000). These Examples havehigh antiviral properties while retaining a beautiful appearance.

Furthermore, Examples 505 and 506 showed that the disposition of atopcoat layer has enhanced the surface strength to the fourth or highergrade.

In contrast, Comparative Example 501 gave test results in which thevirus titer had decreased from the value for “before contact with virus”to the value for “after 1-hour contact with virus” by as small as 2.5(i.e., to 10^(−2.5)=about 1/310) since the content of thesulfonic-acid-based surfactant was as low as 1.0% by weight based on thevinyl chloride resin. Namely, Comparative Example 501 had lowerantiviral properties than the Examples. Furthermore, in ComparativeExample 2, in which an undiluted powder of DBS had been added as asulfonic-acid-based surfactant during paste production, had a poorwallpaper appearance although having improved antiviral properties.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the first aspect of the invention, since the antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet has high antiviral properties, theantiviral sheet can be used as sheets for interior decorative materials,including wallpapers, flooring materials, ceiling materials, andcurtains, for dwelling houses, facilities, or the like, such ashospitals, care homes, protective institutions, schools, kindergartens,community centers, gymnasiums, railway stations, dwelling houses, andapartment buildings. The antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet canbe used also as sheets for furniture including chairs, sofas, and thelike. Furthermore, the antiviral vinyl-chloride-based resin sheet can beprocessed into the shapes of, for example, protective clothing,protective wears, protective aprons, hats or caps, gloves, fool covers,or raincoats by subjecting the sheet to secondary processing such ascutting, thermal fusion, or solvent melt bonding.

Moreover, in preparation for the occurrence of a pandemic, the antiviralvinyl-chloride-based resin sheet can be used not only as protectiveclothing or protective wears for storing but also as interior decorativesheets for, for example, tents for fever outpatient services, infectiousdiseases, or droplet infection.

According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible toprovide an interior decorative sheet which has an excellent appearanceand which rapidly reduces the virus titer that have come into contacttherewith and inactivates the viruses.

According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible toprovide an interior decorative sheet which retains antiviral propertiesand has an advantage in that fouling substances are less apt to adherethereto and the fouling substances, if having adhered thereto, can beremoved by simple cleaning. This interior decorative sheet can henceretain a beautiful appearance over a long period without requiringperiodic maintenance, e.g., an antifouling treatment.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is possible toprovide an interior decorative sheet which has an excellent appearanceand which rapidly reduces the virus titer of and inactivates virusesthat have come into contact therewith.

This interior decorative sheet of the invention is hence suitable forvarious buildings, vehicles, etc. In particular, the interior decorativesheet is suitable for places where a large number of people gather at atime and the risk of catching a viral infection is high, such as publicfacilities, e.g., hospitals, offices, health centers for the elderly,and schools, and buses and trains.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible toprovide an antiviral wallpaper which has an excellent appearance andwhich rapidly reduces the virus titer of and inactivates viruses thathave come into contact therewith.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof.

This application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on Jul.12, 2013 (Application No. 2013-147100), a Japanese patent applicationfiled on Jul. 12, 2013 (Application No. 2013-147101), a Japanese patentapplication filed on Jul. 12, 2013 (Application No. 2013-147102), aJapanese patent application filed on Oct. 18, 2013 (Application No.2013-217171), and a Japanese patent application filed on Oct. 18, 2013(Application No. 2013-217421), the contents thereof being incorporatedherein by reference.

1. An antiviral interior decorative sheet including a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin, the interior decorative sheet comprising: a baselayer; and an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer formed byapplying to the base layer an antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based solcomposition containing 100 parts by weight of a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin for paste, 0.1-7.5 parts by weight of asulfonic-acid-based surfactant and 10-100 parts by weight of aplasticizer, wherein the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is added duringproduction of the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste.
 2. Theantiviral interior decorative sheet including a poly(vinylchloride)-based resin according to claim 1, wherein the plasticizer iscontained in an amount of 20-70 parts by weight per 100 parts by weightof the poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin for paste.
 3. The antiviralinterior decorative sheet including a poly(vinyl chloride) based resinaccording to claim 1, wherein the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-basedsol composition contains a foaming agent in an amount of 0.01-5 parts byweight per 100 parts by weight of the antiviral poly(vinylchloride)-based sol composition.
 4. The antiviral interior decorativesheet including a poly(vinyl chloride) based resin according to claim 1,wherein the antiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based sol compositioncontains substantially no foaming agent.
 5. The antiviral interiordecorative sheet including a poly(vinyl chloride) based resin accordingto claim 1, wherein the sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is analkylbenzenesulfonic-acid-based compound.
 6. The antiviral interiordecorative sheet including a poly(vinyl chloride) based resin accordingto claim 1, further comprising a topcoat layer on a surface of theantiviral poly(vinyl chloride)-based resin layer.
 7. The antiviralinterior decorative sheet including a poly(vinyl chloride) based resinaccording to claim 1, wherein the base layer is a sheet of a syntheticresin, paper, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric or a combination of asynthetic resin and paper, a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric.
 8. Anantiviral wallpaper comprising: a resin layer containing a resinousingredient containing a vinyl chloride resin for paste into which asulfonic-acid-based surfactant is incorporated beforehand in an amountof 2.0% by weight or larger based on the resinous ingredient; a baselayer on a surface of the resin layer; and a topcoat layer on anothersurface of the resin layer, the another surface of the resin layer beingon an opposite side of the resin layer from the surface of the resinlayer, wherein the antiviral wallpaper is in a fourth or higher grade ofa test according to a regulation for performance of surface-reinforcedwallpapers.
 9. The antiviral wallpaper according to claim 8, where theantiviral wallpaper exhibits a coefficient of dynamic friction accordingto ASTM D 1894 that is 0.5 or less.
 10. The antiviral wallpaperaccording to claim 8, wherein the resinous ingredient contains the vinylchloride resin for paste and another vinyl chloride resin.
 11. Theantiviral wallpaper according to claim 8, wherein the resin layercontains a foaming agent in an amount of 0.01-5 parts by weight per 100parts by weight of the resinous ingredient.
 12. The antiviral wallpaperaccording to claim 8, wherein the resin layer contains substantially nofoaming agent.
 13. The antiviral wallpaper according to claim 8, whereinthe sulfonic-acid-based surfactant is an alkylbenzenesulfonic-acid-basedcompound.
 14. The antiviral wallpaper according to claim 8, wherein thebase layer is plain pulp paper, flameproof pulp paper, calcium carbonatepaper, aluminum hydroxide paper, or fleece paper.
 15. The antiviralwallpaper according to claim 8, wherein the topcoat is an acrylic resin,a urethane resin or a fluoro-resin.
 16. The antiviral wallpaperaccording to claim 8, wherein the topcoat has fine interstices therein.17. The antiviral interior decorative sheet of claim 1, furthercomprising a topcoat of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin or afluoro-resin.
 18. The antiviral interior decorative sheet of claim 1,further comprising a topcoat that has fine interstices therein.